How Should We Pray?

DAILY READING

Ephesians 3:14-21

DEVOTION / REFLECTION 

Deep and Wide

by Elaine Pierce

When I read this passage, I think of the children's song I learned long ago at a neighborhood VBS. I'm guessing you know it, too:

Deep and Wide,

Deep and Wide,

There's a Fountain flowing 

Deep and Wide

I suspect it's based on verse 18 - certainly the 'deep and wide' part is, but I don't know where the fountain reference came from (although there are lots of references to 'fountains' in scripture - here are a few.

Paul, the author of this short book who wrote to the new church in the city of Ephesus, is giving his audience a vivid picture of who God is. As we begin a summer sermon series on the Lord's Prayer, this description of God is a good place to start. Yes, his love is deep and wide, like a fountain overflowing. Look at what else Paul says about God:

• He has glorious riches (v. 16)
• He is one with the Spirit and with Jesus Christ (v. 16-19)
• His love surpasses knowledge - deep, wide, long and high (v. 18)
• He can do immeasurably more than we ask him or even imagine (v. 20)
• We will give him glory forever!(v. 21)

And that list isn't exhaustive, but it is a good start. As we pray to God, the Lord's Prayer starts us off with "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." These verses in Ephesians give us context for the hallowedness of God. We have the privilege of praying to a God who can do more than we ask him, and a God who will reign forever. There is no greater joy. 

Kneel, like Paul did, and come before God with reverence and awe - what a delight and a joy to pray to our Father.