This week, we continue our nine-week series, 'Praying Together,' which delves into the power and significance of communal prayer. Inspired by the teachings of Mike Betts and his book and course, 'The Prayers of Many,' our series aims to strengthen our understanding and practice of praying together. In this week's devotionals, we draw from the analogy of a family to illustrate how our identity as children of God should foster a confident and beautiful unity in prayer.
‘For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.’ (Ephesians 3:14-19)
Summary: Follow the Biblical example of allowing truth to move us to confident and united prayer
To watch this devotional please go to:
‘For this reason…’ - After his digression Paul returns to what he was saying in verse 1; The ‘reason’ that he is praying with such love and expectation is because of the truths he expressed in chapter 2. Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-19 is rooted in the truths he expressed in chapter 2 about the amazing grace and love of God toward us in Christ. His prayer is an expression of his love for the church, just as the Father loves them. As Christians, we are part of God's family, and we share the same Heavenly Father. Therefore, praying for one another is a powerful way to demonstrate our love and care for each other. Through prayer, we can act for the good of our family and bring our needs and concerns before our Heavenly Father. May we be inspired to follow Paul's example and express our love for our spiritual family through prayer.
‘I kneel before the Father’ - In Ephesians 3:14, Paul describes how he kneels before the Father. It speaks of humility and reverence. Although God is our Father, He is to be approached with due respect. Kneeling is a powerful reminder of our weakness and our need for God's strength and guidance. It is also an act of submission, acknowledging God's sovereignty and authority over our lives.
‘From whom every family…’ - In Ephesians 3:15, Paul writes that every family in heaven and on earth derives its name from the Father. This expression likely means that God is the creator of all things, both visible and invisible, and that everything owes its design and existence to Him. Paul's words remind us that our Father is the ultimate ruler and authority over all things, and that we can trust in his sovereignty and power. As we approach God in prayer, may we remember that he is the creator and sustainer of all things, and that our trust and dependence on him is well-placed.
William Klein writes:
‘When Paul prays for his readers, he prays to the Lord who is above all orders of beings; all owe their very existence to the Father of every family. God is the cosmic potentate.’ (The Expositor's Bible Commentary)
RESPONSE - REASON FROM TRUTH
Follow the Biblical example of allowing truth to move us to confident and united prayer. Like Paul says, ‘for this reason’, let’s ensure that we reason from truth when we pray. As we see in today’s text, let the truth of God’s grace and power move us to confident and united prayer.
Take a moment to read Ephesians chapter 2. What does it say about God’s love toward us? How should this inspire us to pray with confidence?
COMMUNITY GROUP NOTES AND STUDY
1. NOTICES
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Good Friday Services 10:30-11:30
Easter Sunday Service
Beginning at 10:00 with hot cross buns
2. ICEBREAKER
‘What has God been speaking to you about from His Word this week and how has this helped you / affected your life?’
3. STUDY AND PRAY TOGETHER
During this series, we will be using the 'Prayers of Many' course by Mike Betts.
I encourage you to buy a copy of the book from: https://prayersofmany.org/book#buybook
If you need assistance in buying a book please send an email to the church office and we will happily purchase you a copy.
Please download the course handbook from:
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