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I Humbly Kneel...


A version of Paul’s prayer for the Church in Ephesus from Ephesians 3:14-21 in two voices, used as part of the Installation of Elaine Barnett as Lay Leader of the Methodist Church in Ireland on Wednesday night. Due credit should go to Eugene Peterson's "Message" and Rob Lacey's "Street Bible." We really need this prayer fulfilled in the business of Methodist Conference today...

VOICE 1: I humbly kneel before our heavenly Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is descended.
VOICE 2: I pray that, out of his glorious treasure house he may bless you to your core –
VOICE 1: That you may be strengthened with his power through his Spirit, as Christ makes his home in your hearts through faith,  
VOICE 2: and that you may be rooted deeply in his love.
VOICE 1: Indeed I pray that you may have the power to understand, with all God’s people, the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ;
VOICE 2: Dimensions which are beyond human comprehension,  
VOICE 1: so that you may live fulfilled lives, overflowing with God’s grace.
VOICE 2: And now to God, who through his power at work within us is able to do far, far more than would ever think to ask, or can even imagine,
VOICE 1: To that same God may the church bring glory,
VOICE 2: To that same God may Christ Jesus bring glory,
VOICE 1: To that same God may all generations bring glory,
VOICE 2: for ever  
VOICE 1: and ever.  
VOICE 2: And evermore.  
BOTH: Amen.

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