What does Ephesians 3:14 mean?

Paul transitions from a discussion of the "mystery" of God to a time of prayer in Ephesians 3:14–21. His prayer is based on what he had previously discussed ("For this reason…"). This includes boldness and confident access to the Lord (Ephesians 3:12). He starts his prayer by referring to his sense of humility, through "bowing" before God.

Paul knew that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow" (Philippians 2:10; Romans 14:11). This also powerfully connected with his last meeting with the Ephesian elders. When that assembly ended, Acts 20:36–38 records, "And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again." Still years later, he continued to bow as he prayed via letter with his friends in Ephesus.