Ephesians 1:15 to 1:23 The supreme power of God that raised Christ from the dead and enthroned him above all cosmic powers is actively at work in and for those who believe. Analyze Paul's pastoral intercession for spiritual wisdom, enlightenment, and relational knowledge of God. Examine the three things Paul prays believers will know: hope of calling, riches of inheritance, and greatness of power. Marvel at Christ's cosmic exaltation above every name, ruler, authority, and power. Hearing reports of the faith and love among the Ephesian believers, Paul continually thanks God for them and offers an inspired prayer for deep spiritual illumination. A Prayer for Spiritual Eyes to See Paul does not pray primarily for physical comfort, material wealth, or social popularity. Instead, he prays: 'that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened.' True spiritual maturity requires that the eyes of our heart, our inner perception and affections, be opened by the Holy Spirit to see eternal reality. Three Glorious Realities to Know Paul prays that believers would know three distinct truths: first, 'what is the hope to which he has called you,' giving unshakable confidence in the future; second, 'what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,' reminding us of how precious God's people are to him; and third, 'what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe.' The Power That Raised and Enthroned Christ To illustrate this immeasurable power, Paul points to history's greatest event: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. God exerted this power when he raised Christ from the dead, seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Christ was made head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places. Ephesians 1:19 to 1:20 What does Paul pray will happen to the 'eyes of your hearts' in Ephesians 1:18? That they will become physically blind That they will be enlightened by the Spirit That they will look only at earthly wealth That they will be closed in fear That they will be enlightened by the Spirit Paul prays that the eyes of our hearts would be spiritually enlightened to know God deeply. What historical event demonstrates the immeasurable greatness of God's power in Ephesians 1:20? The building of the temple Raising Christ from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavenly realms The parting of the Jordan River The conquest of Babylon Raising Christ from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavenly realms God demonstrated his supreme power by raising Jesus from the grave and enthroning him over all powers. Over what has God placed Christ as head, according to Ephesians 1:22? Only over angels Head over all things for the church, which is his body Only over earthly kings Only over the apostles Head over all things for the church, which is his body Christ has been exalted as supreme head over all things specifically for the sake of his church. Use Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:16 to 1:19 as a personal prayer template this week, praying these words over your own heart and family. Father of glory, grant us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that we may know you more intimately. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts to understand our calling, your glorious inheritance, and the immeasurable resurrection power available to us in Christ. Amen. How does Paul's prayer focus on spiritual sight differ from the things teenagers typically pray for? What difference does it make in your daily challenges to know that the very power that raised Christ from the dead is active in your life? Guide high school youth to pray biblical prayers for deep spiritual knowledge of God and reliance on resurrection power. Compare wearing night-vision goggles in the dark to having the eyes of our heart enlightened by the Holy Spirit to see spiritual realities. How can we experience God's power when we feel weak? Remind students that God's power is made perfect in weakness, not in self-sufficient pride. 5 minutes hook, 20 minutes study, 15 minutes discussion, 10 minutes prayer.