¹¹ according to his eternal purpose^(A) that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. ¹² In him and through faith in him we may approach God^(B) with freedom and confidence.^{(C) 13} I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

A Prayer for the Ephesians

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel^(D) before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family^[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches^(E) he may strengthen you with power^(F) through his Spirit in your inner being,^{(G) 17} so that Christ may dwell in your hearts^(H) through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted^(I) and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people,^(J) to grasp how wide and long and high and deep^(K) is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge^(L)—that you may be filled^(M) to the measure of all the fullness of God.^(N)

⁷ If you remain in me^(A) and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.^(B)

²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit^(A) himself intercedes for us^(B) through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts^(C) knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes^(D) for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,^(A) who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.^{(B) 6} But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,^(C) because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded^(D) and unstable^(E) in all they do.

Instructions on Worship

2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers,^(A) intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority,^(B) that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness^(C) and holiness.