diff --git a/docs/applications.md b/docs/applications.md
index e19928f5..5c30365f 100644
--- a/docs/applications.md
+++ b/docs/applications.md
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ exceptions that occur within the application:
 ### Storing state on the app instance
 
 You can store arbitrary extra state on the application instance, using the
-generic `app.state` attribute.
+generic `app.state` attribute.  This can then be accessed in middleware or endpoints via `request.app`.
 
 For example:
 
diff --git a/docs/requests.md b/docs/requests.md
index 5c9caa61..f0ffc66b 100644
--- a/docs/requests.md
+++ b/docs/requests.md
@@ -140,6 +140,10 @@ filename = form["upload_file"].filename
 contents = await form["upload_file"].read()
 ```
 
+#### Application
+
+The originating Starlette application can be accessed via `request.app`.
+
 #### Other state
 
 If you want to store additional information on the request you can do so