“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.”
The call for spiritual mothers and fathers has reached heaven, and heaven is responding. Invitations are on their way!
The Invitations Are Here
These invitations are being delivered to individuals across the church and even to those on its periphery. Some people are eagerly anticipating them, while for others, they come as a surprise.
Who Receives These Invitations?
- The tired and weary
- Those nursing wounds and disappointment
- Individuals who have lowered their expectations
- Those who have counted themselves out
- Young and old, single and married, divorced and widowed
- Parents and grandparents, as well as those without children
Each invitation is personal—handwritten and specifically crafted by Jesus. They are not generic messages but affirmations of the unique purpose God has for you.
Why Now?
These invitations are being sent out with greater urgency because God is at work today, watering dry and weary souls. Browse the stories on this site to witness the encounters that are becoming increasingly common. God is waking His church from a disciple making slumber, inviting us to join in with what he is doing on the earth today.
A Season of Growth
When we look back in history and around the world it is clear there are seasons, times and places where the family of God grows and multiplies and recorded for our encouragement are stories of outpourings, revivals and awakenings. Today we find ourselves in one of those seasons and we must understand the big story we are part of so that we can fully play our part.
In the book of Acts, Luke reminds the early church of their significance. He references the covenant God made with Abraham:
Starting with Samuel, every prophet spoke about what is happening today. You are the children of those prophets, and you are included in the covenant God promised to your ancestors. For God said to Abraham, ‘Through your descendants all the families on earth will be blessed.’ - Acts 3:24-25 (NLT)
What Is Happening Today?
We are living in the same epoch of time as when these words of explanation were penned by Luke. The times, seasons and purposes of God needed explaining then just as they need explaining now and it is the role of spiritual mothers and fathers to explain them.
As Abram looked up at the desert sky, he was reminded that one of his descendants would be named after one of those stars. Jesus, the bright morning star, is the one through whom all of humanity will be blessed. God’s dream for family is not a human construct; it originates from His heart.
God’s Plan for His Family
Paul writes to the church in Ephesus about this divine plan. He kneels before the Father, overwhelmed by gratitude for being chosen to participate in such a magnificent journey. His kneeling reflects his deep need for God’s empowerment and strength.
I can imagine Paul recalling the moment he encountered the risen Lord Jesus, who called him by name. His past forgiven, he is now invited to be a spiritual parent in God’s family. He kneels in awe and gratitude.
The Power of Kneeling
In recent years, I’ve noticed an increase in kneeling in churches—people getting right with God, confessing sins, and enjoying the freedom of His forgiveness. I’ve witnessed a young woman kneeling before the cross in her first ever church gathering.
I too have found myself kneeling more, both in private and public. It’s a posture of need, longing, worship, and surrender. By laying down my dreams, I’ve discovered God sharing His dreams with me, inviting me into a greater purpose.
Embracing Spiritual Parenting
I believe spiritual parenting begins when we kneel. In that moment of humility, God invites us into more. As we accept His invitation, we can guide others in their journeys, nurturing their growth in faith and love.
Are you ready to accept your invitation?
Rich Wilson
This content is adapted from a book on Spiritual Parenting that will be out soon along with a Spiritual Parenting course for small groups. If you would like to find out more and when they are available sign up here.
