Praying with Paul - Prayer Power
Ephesians 1:15-23
(This message is online at: northwestchurch.church) - Use this listening guide as you watch the video worship services online. This will also have questions you can use with your connect group.
1. Overflow with ___________________
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you,…………
2. Know Your ______________________
VS. 18 “…………………know the hope to which he has called you, (AND) the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,”
“the riches of _______________ glorious inheritance in His holy people.”
3. Experience His _________________________
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. NIV
CONNECT GROUP
ICEBREAKER—•
Have you ever struggled to breathe? Suffered an asthma attack? Been stuck under water? Had the breath knocked out of you? When you finally were able to fill your lungs with air again, what did you feel? Did your perspective of breathing—the regular in-and-out of everyday respiration—change? Why?
APPLY THE Scripture :: READ Ephesians 1:19-20— What prayer request on behalf of the church does the apostle mention in verses 19-20 ?
Q1— How is “the hope to which He has called you” different from hoping that your team wins the big game or hoping you get a raise?
Q2—Why do you think that Paul gave such thanks to the Lord upon hearing of the Ephesian Christians’ faith in the Jesus, and their love for the saints??
Q3— Not only does God initiate a relationship with us, but He also wants us to grow in our knowledge of Him. Describe a recent circumstance, conversation, or experience that caused you to know Him better – more personally and intimately.?
Q4— How does the “dark mirror” image of 1 Corinthians 13 fit with the “eyes enlightened” language of Ephesians 1:18? ?
Q5—What’s the best thing you can do for someone else to help them have this kind of hope??
A LITTLE Prayer HOMEWORK:
· At least four days in the coming week, pray for other Christians you know, using Paul’s prayer as a model
· TALK ABOUT Talk with a few friends about getting together this week for a prayer time, based on this passage, in which you specifically pray for the spiritual vitality of your church or your community
Let’s pray Ephesians 1:15-23
Father,
In the name of Jesus, I praise and thank You for all of the spiritual gifts You have given to ______ in Christ Jesus. I thank You that You have saved________ and that You have forgiven all of ________ sins. I thank You for all of Your promises that You will show______. Your purpose and calling for ________ life, and that _______ would understand the greatness of the inheritance You have prepared for ______ to accomplish that purpose and calling. I also praise and thank You for sealing _______ with Your Holy Spirit to live within ________ and guide_______ into all of Your fullness.
Because of these great blessings, Father, I pray that You will give _______ a spirit of revelation and knowledge in knowing You. Open _______’s eyes of understanding so that ________ would know the full hope of Your calling. Help ______ to understand the riches of the glory of Your great inheritance for ______ through Jesus Christ because _______ has believed on and trusted in You. Cause _______ to come to understand the exceedingly great power You have made available to _____________ to accomplish what You have called _______________ to do on this earth. AMEN