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One in Christ

Published: Nov. 20, 2023, 7 a.m.

Eph 3: 14-15

14\xa0For this reason I kneel\xa0before the Father,\xa015\xa0from whom every family[a]\xa0in heaven and on earth derives its name.\xa0

Upon reading this passage what came to mind was a question from Anne of Green Gables: \u201cWhy must people kneel down to pray? If I really wanted to pray, I\u2019ll tell you what I'd do. I'd go out into a great big field all alone or in the deep, deep woods and I'd look up into the sky\u2014up\u2014up\u2014up\u2014into that lovely blue sky that looks as if there was no end to its blueness. And then I'd just feel a prayer.\u201d L.M. Montgomery,\xa0Anne of Green Gables

A posture of prayer can take many forms, looking up into the sky, raising our hands, bowing heads, and kneeling. God wants to hear from us no matter what form our prayer posture is. Conversation with God is how we build our trust and relationship with him. Paul starts his letter by saying \u201cFor this reason\u2026\u201d He is acknowledging that God has a purpose and a plan for his life and the lives of those around him. He is praying with confidence acknowledging that it is God\u2019s will that is being done on earth.

When Paul writes \u201cI kneel before the Father\u2026\u201d, he is approaching with a posture of humility, understanding that it is God\u2019s great plan that is at work even while he is in prison. God\u2019s work is unstoppable. Paul\u2019s prayer is directed to the Father, through the Son, by the empowering and direction of the Holy Spirit. The Trinity is at work together.

All of God\u2019s family is called after His name. We can understand this by going back to Genesis and the covenant made with Abraham, \u201c2\xa0\u201cI will make you into a great nation,\xa0and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.[a]3\xa0I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.\u201d[b] (Genesis 12:2-3) Everything starts and ends with God. God\u2019s plan for our lives. This is essential in the unity of the church being the Body of Christ, One in Christ. We are one with our brothers and sisters in heaven and on earth. We are all part of one family and community of believers.

We can have the same confidence in praying to God as Paul does knowing that we are loved deeply by a Father who cares for us. God calls us each his own no matter where we are.

20\xa0Now to him who is able\xa0to do immeasurably more than all we ask\xa0or imagine, according to his power\xa0that is at work within us,\xa021\xa0to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.