Boldness in Prayer

I. Verse 12: Boldness in access and confidence
A. Introduction:
B. The Prayer itself (Ephesians 3:14-19) Paul's ‘high priestly' prayer.
C. Access
1. Boldness (free speech)
2. Confidence (trust)
D. Two keys to confidence from the text
1. in Christ
2. the faith of Him
a. Because Christ is faithful, you can be confident!
E. 1 John 5:14-15:
1. know God's Word so that you might know His will and thus pray more confidently.

II. Verse 13: Do not lose heart
A. Paul's imprisonment might have caused the church to lose heart
B. We often lose heart when “bad” things happen
C. Rather, we should glory in tribulation
D. Hebrews 10:35-39: You have need of endurance

III. Verse 14: For this reason
A. I bow my knees – not posture, but humility and reverence
B. To the Father – face to face with God – your Father – your Abba

IV. Application
A. Clear the hindrances to confidence in prayer
B. Pray the Scripture
C. Pray. Pray corporately – a special call to men (1 Tim 2:8)
D. Pray despite your circumstances and mood – recognize Satan's devices.
Preach the Gospel to yourself and pray!