Thanksgiving and Prayer!

"For this reason" (v. 15a) most likely points back to vv. 3-14, and especially vv. 13-14, just as Scott alluded to. Paul is rejoicing with those who are rejoicing. Paul was excited and encouraged with how the Ephesians were prospering and growing in their faith. While at the very time he was under arrest! Will that be my attitude when I am under "persecution" or facing trials? Will I rejoice with others that are rejoicing around me or prospering? Paul is able to because he knows where is hope is found and what his inheritance is!

Also in verse 15 he talks about faith and love in Christ. He does not mention hope at this point. Why? Faith and love are some times thought of as things we believers "do" Calvin answers this:

"Now, with all this, he shows that faith and love are the very gifts of God and do not come from ourselves, as men always imagine through a devilish pride. . . . If every man was able to believe and have faith of his own accord, or could get it by some power of his own, the praise for it ought not to be given to God. For it would be but mockery to acknowledge ourselves indebted to him for what we have obtained, not from him, but from elsewhere. But here St. Paul blesses God's name for enlightening the Ephesians in the faith and for framing their hearts to make them loving. It is to be concluded, therefore that everything comes from God (Sermons)."

Our ability to have faith to love like this is only the result of God placing it there or making us capable to, or even having the desire for these things! What a blessing. How should that effect us?

Scott also mentioned what the content of Paul's prayer's were. I thought this quote from Sam Storms was helpful:

It's important that we be imitators of Paul not simply in the fact that he prayed for others but also in what he prayed for them. His content is no less normative than his constancy (at the same time we acknowledge that on occasion Paul's prayers are uniquely related to the circumstances of his readers). Be it also noted that Paul evidently believed that the spiritual growth of his readers was wholly dependent on God who gives generously to his people when they call upon him in prayer. Furthermore, although they had already received 'wisdom (1:8), Paul knows there is always an ongoing need for more! - Sam Storms

There is so much more that can be looked at. 1. The Hope of His Calling. 2. the blessings of his inheritance in the saints. 3. The surpassing greatness of His power. That is what I love about God's Word, you can read passages over and over and get something new out it EVERY time! It never gets old!