One in Christ

Eph 3: 14-15 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name.  Upon reading this passage what came to mind was a question from Anne of Green Gables: "Why must people kneel down to pray? If I really wanted to pray, I'll 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—up—up—up—into that lovely blue sky that looks as if there was no end to its blueness. And then I'd just feel a prayer." L.M. Montgomery, Anne 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 "For this reason…" 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's will that is being done on earth. When Paul writes "I kneel before the Father…", he is approaching with a posture of humility, understanding that it is God's great plan that is at work even while he is in prison. God's work is unstoppable. Paul's 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's family is called after His name. We can understand this by going back to Genesis and the covenant made with Abraham, "2 "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.[a]3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."[b] (Genesis 12:2-3) Everything starts and ends with God. God's 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 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.