Exceedingly Abundantly (Ephesians 3:14-21, James 5:15-16, Matthew 6:9-13) updated 6-12

My husband and I have an earthworm ministry.  When we see an earthworm trying to crawl across cement, we put them in the dirt so they can live.  Honest! It just feels awful seeing them stuck and slowly dieing on the cement.  No worries Todd works in a Nursing Home as a Therapist, which is a great ministry. I write this blog.  So it's ok to save the earthworms in our spare time : )

God is with us, that's what the name, "Emmanuel," means.  His Holy Spirit is within and we can pray.  We can make a difference.  We can look up.   There was so much bad news on TV, my husband and I went to bed and agreed no TV before bed.   Sometimes I feel like an earthworm stuck on the cement.  We need to take care of our mental, spiritual and physical health.  It's good to count our blessings and remember the goodness in our lives and our God.

15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
(James 5:15-16 NKJV)

Here is Paul's prayer for the Gentiles:
(this is the bulleted list and the Bible verses follow)

• First he bows to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
• acknowledges our family in Heaven and Earth are named after our Lord Jesus Christ 
• prays that we would be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man
• that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith
• be rooted and grounded in love
• be able to understand what is the width and length and depth and height to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge
• be filled with the fullness of God

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen
(Ephesians 3:14-21 NKJV)

I love his view of God, He can do exceedingly abundantly, not just "above what I can do," but exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or even think.  This makes me wonder if I limit God by not accepting His true abilities and asking for more.  We do know Jesus gave us the Lord's prayer and asked that we not babble on and on.  

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are God You know what is causing the shootings at schools.  I pray You will help our leaders understand how to stop this.  Please open the eyes of Hollywood movie makers.  Help them understand kids don't know what's real or not in movies.  Maybe this would help.  Guide us all with wisdom for the kids.  Father I pray for the children coming across the borders to the USA .  You know all about it.  Please bring peace to Central America so they can go home and be in families again.  I ask for You to do exceedingly abundantly above all that I ask or think.  I believe in You.

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
10 Set the world right;
Do what's best––
  as above, so below.
11 Keep us alive with three square meals.
12 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
13 Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
  Yes. Yes. Yes .
(Matthew 6:9-13 Message)

In Jesus Name, Amen.

This song is so perfect for where we are in the USA:
John Guerra, "I will Follow" (link)