For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
- Ephesians 3:14-15
 
This week we’re going to look at another one of Paul’s prayers. But before we do, today we want to pay attention to whom Paul is praying.
 
Paul isn’t praying to an absent and anonymous God. He isn’t praying to some mysterious deity cloaked in power and smoke. He isn’t praying to a Santa Claus God who showers blessings down on people like a vending machine gone wild. Paul prays to a good and involved Father.
 
God is the source and fountain for every good and beautiful thing that exists. He made the birds and the bees and the mountains and the trees. He made each and every one of us.
 
All our energy, all our time, all of our identities … all of it is derived from God our Father. We get our names from him.
 
Because God is your Father, you matter to him. He cares and is paying attention. He wants to be with you and to help you. The special relationship you have with him gives you strong permission to open your heart to him in prayer.
 
And because our Father engages with each and every family, we receive a boost of courage to pray for the people he’s placed in our lives. If he gave them their name, surely he can give them faith, bravery, financial provision, wisdom, humility, kindness, insight into the gospel of Jesus, healing from a terrible disease, peace … whatever you can think of to ask for, it’s in God’s power to give.
 
Take some time to reflect on how you interact with God in prayer. Do you talk to him like he’s a good and engaged Father? What makes that difficult for you? What happens when you’re able to do that?