Sermon Discussion Guide

Sermon: How Do You Pray?

Text: Ephesians 3:14-21

Introduction

Our prayer reflects our understanding (or lack of understanding) of who God is and who we are. Paul’s prayer in this passage of Ephesians reflects of his understanding of God’s will for the believers: that they experience God’s transformation within their character; and they will be experience the limitless love of God. These two things will not only help the believers grow in their faith and maturity in Christ but ultimately lead to glorifying God through their lives.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the longest prayer you have heard? When, where, and what occasion?

2. In verse 14, Paul states “For this reason I kneel before the Father.” What does this indicate about how Paul views his position in comparison to God? Why is it important that we need to approach God in this same position?

3. In verse 16 and 17, Paul prays that Christ dwells within the believer’s inner being. When Christ dwells within our inner being, our character should begin to change. Have you seen evidence of this within your life? If so, please share.

4. In verse 19, Paul prays that the believers may “know this love that surpasses knowledge.” Describe a time or circumstance in your life when you experienced God’s love when it didn’t make sense or beyond your expectations.

5. What do you think will happen if the goal or ultimate end of all our prayers or petitions is about self-improvement? Why is important that the end goal be the glorification of God for any and all our prayers?

6. How do we, as a community, help each other discern prayers that just focus on self-improvement and prayers that focus on glorifying God?

Moving Forward

Many times in difficult situation or circumstances, our problems seem really big and complex. Prayer helps us focus on someone that is greater than our problems, God. As we pray, God will work in our lives to either change the situation or work within our hearts to change our perspective of the situation, or both. Ultimately, we need to keep the perspective that whatever we ask for needs to have the final goal of glorifying God.

Meditate

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.                   - Ephesians 3:20-21