Ephesians 3:14-21 English Standard Version
Prayer for Spiritual Strength
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Here Paul begins this pray on his knees. It is very symbolic that this position is taken because it recognizes the authority of God over life itself. Paul’s prayer is for the very best for us. His prayer to the Ephesians is also a prayer for us. We might not all be asked to get on bended knee when asked to pray but it is often said, “Bow your heads.”
The tradition has been passed down through the millennia and may have lost its original meaning. It is not often taught but ought to be part of our vocabulary and it is more than submission, it is one of surrender. It says “Your will be done” in our mannerisms but it is more than just a symbolic gesture.
Those who have lost the war may be subject to execution. It is beyond their control and they have no voice in defense of their position. Their fate is sealed and what is about to happen is beyond their control.