Ephesians 3:14-21
“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. 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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV)
In this passage, Paul offers a powerful prayer. He kneels before the Father, asking for believers to be strengthened with power through the Holy Spirit so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith. He goes on to say just how great is Christs’ love for you: grasp how wide and long and high and deep is His love. Paul knows that only by experiencing this love can we be rooted and grounded in faith.
Our kids have grown up at Southwood; Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, DELVE, Confirmation. They know what a great community we have here. But since they went off to college, the church has not been of strong importance to them. Two kids are college graduates and in the adulting world now. They are still not attending church. We have told them that God’s love is always with them and our hope is that when they are thinking of growing a family of their own that they will find their way to a church family as well. We want them to understand the power of God and what that can do for their life. We want them to feel the comfort, love and safety we feel when we think about our church and church community here at Southwood.
Today, let this prayer guide your own: ask God to strengthen your heart, deepen your roots in Christ’s love and expand your vision of what He can do in your life. Live with the confidence that the God who loves you most is able to do more than you could ever imagine.
Questions for Reflection:
- What areas of your life most need to be strengthened with power through spirit right now?
- How have you personally experienced the “Width, length, height and depth” of Christ’s love?
Prayer:
Dear God, I ask for your spirit to give me strength in the deepest parts of my life. Come and dwell fully in my heart, shape my thoughts, guide my choices and calm my fears. Help me grow roots so I stand firm no matter what I face. May everything I say and do today reflect your love. Amen.
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