For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family (all fatherhood) 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 saints, 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
Heavenly Father, for indeed you are… I make Paul’s prayer my own this morning. I bow… I prostrate myself before you… not floundering in my fears, but marinating in your mercies… not groveling in my guilt, but growing in your grace. For you’re the Father from whom all “fatherhood” derives its name and meaning.
We have no clue what parenthood is all about apart from you. We didn’t create the category of father and project it on you as a wish-dream. You come to us in the gospel… adopting us to be your beloved sons and daughters… and growing us to become like your most beloved Son, Jesus. What wondrous love is this, indeed!
Father, I’m in constant need of your re-parenting, in two ways. I need to know you better and better as Abba, Father… the most caring, engaged and loving parent ever. I need you to continue to free me from the illusion that my earthly parents could’ve ever been enough. I can still play the victim card and think, “If only I’d been given a different dad. If only mom had been more present in my life.” For the wounds and holes in my childhood, bring the gospel to bear with healing and liberating power. But free me from excuse making. Free me from holding my parents hostage to my unforgiveness. Free me from believing I need any other parent but you to come alive, and become a whole and healthy person.
Father, I also need you to re-parent me as a parent. Literally, make me a different parent of my own children. You’ve already forgiven me for the years I spent parenting by fear and control, and out of guilt and pride. Now I pray for the redeeming of those years. That won’t happen apart from the love of Jesus. So, even as Paul prayed, I pray. Grant me power to grasp just how wide, long, high and deep Jesus’ love is for me, and for my children. Indeed Father, teach me what it means to parent by grace, in every season of our relationship. Write stories of restoration and renewal.
What do I need to hear from my children? What failures do I need to own? What stories do we need to share with each other? There’s no condemnation, but there must be conviction. What will the fruit of my repentance look like? Grant me humility and hope through the gospel. Father, be pleased to do well beyond all I can ask or imagine. So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ loving name.
