14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.  Ephesians 3:14-19

A. The consuming passion of the Apostle Paul Philippians 3:10

B. The spiritual prayer life of the Apostle Paul

1st prayer emphasis – knowing God: Ephesians 1:16-17

2nd prayer emphasis – experiencing the love of Christ/fullness of God: Ephesians 3:19

1. The profound nature of this prayer

– For believers to experience deeper insight into the Father’s heart: John 3:16

– For believers to experience deeper work of God’s Spirit: John 3:5; Ephesians 1:13

– For believers to experience deeper spiritual intimacy with Christ: John 14:21

2. The priority need for this prayer

– It’s the source of sustaining power in the Christian life: Revelation 2:1-5; Matt. 22:34-40; John 13:34-35; Matt. 28:19-20

– It’s the source of enjoyment in the Christian life: Psalm 16:11; Matt. 17:1-4; Revelation 3:21

– It’s the identifying mark in the Christian life: John 13:34-35; 1 Thessalonians 1:3, 4:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:5; Philemon 4-7