introduces us to a feature not hitherto found. Up
to now the prayers at the opening have been recorded almost immediately
after the personal greetings. But here a long paragraph intervenes, and
the prayer is not recorded until after fourteen verses full of spiritual
teaching have been given. This section deserves special attention because
it is the basis of the prayer. Let us review it briefly in order to obtain
the true perspective of the petition.

The key-thought is in verse 3, where the Apostle praises God for having
actually blessed them "with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in
Christ." Then comes a wonderful statement of the way in which these
blessings had become their own. (_a_) They had been eternally purposed in
God the Father (vers. 3-6_a_); (_b_) they had been historically mediated
through God the Son (vers. 6_b_-12); (_c_) they had been spiritually
applied by God the Spirit (vers. 12-14). And in connection with each
Person of the Sacred Trinity practically the same phrase occurs in this
paragraph, showing that all the blessings were given in order that they
might be used for the Divine glory: "To the praise of the glory of His
grace" (ver. 6); "To the praise of His glory" (ver. 12); "To the praise of
His glory" (ver. 14).

Now it is upon this wealth of provision that the Apostle bases his prayer:
"On this account." God had so wonderfully blessed them in Christ by His
Spirit, and this fulness of blessing was so clearly intended to be used to
the praise and glory of God that he could pray, as he does here, assured
that the answer would come. God's revelation of Himself is invariably and
inevitably the foundation of our prayers. Because of what He has done and
is doing we can be sure of grace. Because His power has provided "all
things that pertain to life and godliness" we can be certain of power for
daily living.

2. THE APPEAL.

The names and titles of God are particularly noteworthy and are always
full of spiritual significance, shedding light on the passages in which
they occur. St. Paul prays to "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ." This
title as it stands is unique, though already he has referred to "the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (ver. 3), and will refer again to
"the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" in connection with prayer (ch. iii.
14). "The God of our Lord Jesus Christ" seems to suggest the highest point
and peak of power and grace. God, as the God of Christ, is the pri