1. In 1:15-16 Paul says "For this reason... I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." Why do you think he is so thankful?
His call was to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. To him these people, who he had helped to believe were 'his children.'
2. How does his prayer cover the past, present and future for his readers?
Past: "ever since I heard about your faith" He prayed for them from the beginning of their belief.
Present: "I keep asking that the Lord give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation"
Future: "That you may know the hope to which he has called you" - eternal life
3. What is the 'great power for those who believe' in verse 19?
I came up with several answers to this one before I decided on this one. vs.19-20 says "That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead" I think the 'great power' is the power of defeating death. We will not die, only step into eternal life.
4. How is the "church" - the body of believers - central to God's plans?
Christ is the 'head', the church is the 'body' It is heaven here on earth and the body thru which all of God's work will be done.
5. Is the church central to your life?
I can say that my local church is the center from which I work in the world. It is my 'refueling point' - worshiping with other believers recharges me. The love of believers makes me stronger.
6. In verses 1:3-14, praise and thanksgiving dominate Paul's prayer. What kind of prayer dominates 15-23?
intercession - He is praying for the church of Ephesis.
7. More thoughts?
This study has already brought home to me how much I am blessed and how much I forget to pray for others outside my immediate family.