Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Family: Kneeling together before
God
St. Stephens MTC, NJ
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from
whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. 16 I pray that,
according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened
in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may
dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in
love. .
When I saw this Meditation Theme, the first thing that went through my mind is, well, we , my kids and I have not knelt together before God in prayer in a long time, 15 months to be exact. Every time we tried I’d breakdown and cry. However, we have prayed, individually or with the extended family. So why did I get assigned with this Theme and passage? What is God, with His awesome sense of humor, trying to tell me?
In today’s passage we see, Paul who is writing from prison, enduring great pain all to glorify God’s name. Paul’s prayer is recorded twice. And in both prayers, Paul is not praying for himself but for the new believers in Christ in Ephesus. Paul’s first prayer is found in Chapter 1:15-23. Here Paul is basically asking for God to give wisdom and understanding to the new believers in Christ, so that they may know God better than they did in the past (vs. 17). In Paul’s second prayer, which is the focus of today’s devotion, Paul is on his knees petitioning on behalf of the new believer. This prayer is an encouragement to all, to increase our faith, as well as experience Christ love.
Paul wants us to experience the same love of Christ that dwells in his heart. He prays for strength, power, faith, and love, all through the Triune God. He knows it’s an everyday battle to stay strong and keep moving for Christ Glory. We often struggle daily in our walk with Christ. Temptations are all around us; it may be that piece of chocolate while fasting or skipping morning mediation, so one can sleep 10 minutes more, or even worse breaking one of the 10 commandments.
During difficult times, we may falter and sin. However, if our inner faith is Christ like, then there is nothing that can move our faith, because God dwells in our hearts.
When I saw this Meditation Theme, the first thing that went through my mind is, well, we , my kids and I have not knelt together before God in prayer in a long time, 15 months to be exact. Every time we tried I’d breakdown and cry. However, we have prayed, individually or with the extended family. So why did I get assigned with this Theme and passage? What is God, with His awesome sense of humor, trying to tell me?
In today’s passage we see, Paul who is writing from prison, enduring great pain all to glorify God’s name. Paul’s prayer is recorded twice. And in both prayers, Paul is not praying for himself but for the new believers in Christ in Ephesus. Paul’s first prayer is found in Chapter 1:15-23. Here Paul is basically asking for God to give wisdom and understanding to the new believers in Christ, so that they may know God better than they did in the past (vs. 17). In Paul’s second prayer, which is the focus of today’s devotion, Paul is on his knees petitioning on behalf of the new believer. This prayer is an encouragement to all, to increase our faith, as well as experience Christ love.
Paul wants us to experience the same love of Christ that dwells in his heart. He prays for strength, power, faith, and love, all through the Triune God. He knows it’s an everyday battle to stay strong and keep moving for Christ Glory. We often struggle daily in our walk with Christ. Temptations are all around us; it may be that piece of chocolate while fasting or skipping morning mediation, so one can sleep 10 minutes more, or even worse breaking one of the 10 commandments.
During difficult times, we may falter and sin. However, if our inner faith is Christ like, then there is nothing that can move our faith, because God dwells in our hearts.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, help us to
kneel before You daily, so that our faith grows through Your power and love.
Continue to strengthen us as we go about our daily routine. We pray You
live in our hearts, so that we may be a blessing for others.
THOUGHT
FOR THE DAY:
"You don't
choose your family. They are God's gift to you as you are to them."
Desmond Tutu