For He pre-destined us to be adopted by Himself as sons through Jesus Christ--such being His gracious will and pleasure--

that we should be to the praise of his glory who have pre-trusted in the Christ:

[I always pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may grant you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation [that gives you a deep and personal and intimate insight] into the true knowledge of Him [for we know the Father through the Son].

I pray that the perception of your mind may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints,

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

He demonstrated this power in the Messiah by raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavens—

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

And you being dead in trespasses and sins,??2 in which you formerly walked according to the life of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit which now operates in the children of disobedience,

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

For we are God's own handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works which He has pre-destined us to practise.

For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,

This is the reason that I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles, [pray for you. See 3:14-19].

which in other generations has not been made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the power of the Spirit,

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man;

and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love,

be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love];

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful].

So that we are no longer children [spiritually immature], tossed back and forth [like ships on a stormy sea] and carried about by every wind of [shifting] doctrine, by the cunning and trickery of [unscrupulous] men, by the deceitful scheming of people ready to do anything [for personal profit].

From Him the whole body [the church, in all its various parts], joined and knitted firmly together by what every joint supplies, when each part is working properly, causes the body to grow and mature, building itself up in [unselfish] love.

And they, [the ungodly in their spiritual apathy], having become callous and unfeeling, have given themselves over [as prey] to unbridled sensuality, eagerly craving the practice of every kind of impurity [that their desires may demand].

Therefore shall a man leave father and mother and cleave to his wife, and the pair shall be one flesh.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the complete armour of God, with a view to your having power to stand against the strategies of the adversary;

because our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against principalities, against authorities, against the universal lords of this darkness, against spiritual power of wickedness in the heavenlies.

For this cause, take up the complete armour of God, in order that ye may receive power to withstand in the evil day, and, all things, having accomplished, to stand!

With all, having taken up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall have power, all the ignited darts of the wicked one, to quench;

With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.

And pray for me, that words may be given to me when I open my mouth, to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news [of salvation],

for which I am an ambassador in chains. And pray that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly and courageously, as I should.