Doctrine: Prayer is motivated by what God has done in Christ's Church. Like faith, this has to do with hearing; like God, Redeemed hearts are thrilled with salvation.
Exegesis: Help for the Church's prayer life: there are reasons that inspire our prayers (faith in Christ, love for the Church) (v. 15); there is joy that propels our prayers ([in] continual heartfelt thanksgiving) (v. 16a); there is content that enlightens our prayers (the Church's growth in and love for Christ) (v. 16b).
Further application: How to be more effective in prayer: first, let us prioritize—as Jesus and His apostles did; then, let us petition God for the Church's fuller experience of her inheritance.
Key verses: vv. 15-16 ''Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers...''
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Rev. Mark Henninger received his Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and he has been Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois for more than 30 years.
