Do you kneel when you pray?

"I kneel in prayer to the Father." Ephesians 3:14

Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray without ceasing". I can't imagine that Paul crawled around on his knees praying all day. No.... I imagine that he, as I do, prayed in many different positions- standing, sitting, walking, running, driving (ok maybe I've got one up on Paul there lol).

But, the point is, he prayed continually throughout the day in different situations. His eyes weren't always closed, his head wasn't always bowed, the candle wasn't always lit, and the environment wasn't always peaceful. I'm sure there were times when he prayed out loud and times when he prayed silently in his heart. He was in constant communication with God.

BUT, there were times when Paul kneeled in prayer. In this verse in Ephesians 3:14, for instance, he kneeled in prayer. He prayed an earnest prayer for the believers in Ephesus that they may have strength in their relationship with God. He desperately wanted them to truly KNOW the Lord. It was of the utmost IMPORTANCE to Paul.

Are you praying for something really, REALLY IMPORTANT to you? Get on your knees. KNEEL before the King. BOW DOWN in His presence. After all, if your request is that important, it deserves more than just a passing mention, a half-asleep muttering....

Try it tonight. FEEL the difference. FEEL the connection. FEEL the POWER of your ALMIGHTY GOD as you humble yourself before Him.

Ephesians 3:1-3

"Christ Jesus made me a prisoner, so that I could help you Gentiles. You have surely heard about God's kindness in choosing me to help you. In fact, this letter tells you a little about how God has shown me His mysterious ways." Ephesians 3:1-3 (CEV)

Paul is writing this from prison in Rome (a result of his arrest in Caesara in Acts 21:27-) While in prison he witnessed to everyone he came in contact with- guards, visitors, Jewish leaders.... Because of this, the gospel spread into Rome. While in prison, Paul also wrote letters explaining his faith and encouraging other believers. These letters include Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians and Philippians.

Paul did all of this while in PRISON! He understood that God had an ultimate purpose in his suffering and circumstances. No matter where he was at, Paul focused on his ultimate purpose of being a witness for Jesus Christ. We need to get this. So many of us aren't where we want to be right now. But, we may be EXACTLY where God wants us to be.

You may feel like you are in a dead end job but God may have placed you there to witness to a co-worker. You may feel irritated by the long line at Wal Mart but God may have placed you there to show kindness to the clerk or to the person behind you. You may be a part of that club or group because you enjoy it but God has an even GREATER reason for you to be there.

Paul took many missionary journeys but Paul also realized something that you and I need to get as well- you don't have to GO on a mission trip you ARE on a mission trip.

Lord help me to focus on your mission in every situation and circumstance of my day.