Prayer, Session 3: The Prayers of Paul

Prayer

Read the passage: Ephesians 1:15-21; Colossians 1:9-14; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-7 (ESV, Bible Gateway)

Ephesians 1:15-21

  1. What is Paul praying for the Ephesians?
  2. How does a right understanding of our hope, inheritance, and the greatness of God’s power help us to:
    • live a full Christian life?
    • pray as we should?

Colossians 1:9-14

  1. Why does Paul pray that they be filled with the knowledge of God’s will?
    • How does this help us understand what the will of God for us is?
    • Consider one of the things you’re praying for at the moment, how might how Paul prays here shape your prayers in that area?
  2. In verses 11-14, how does Paul seek to encourage the Colossians in the face of the hardship they’re going through?
  3. Considering both of the prayers you just looked at, would you say that in these examples Paul’s prayers tend to be more result/outcome orientated, or character focused? i.e. Is he praying for specific things to change/happen, or for transformation of their character, or both?
    • What about your own prayers, for yourself and others – to what do they tend to be orientated?

1 Thessalonians 1:2-7

  1. Look at another of Paul’s prayers in 1 Thessalonians 1:2-7
    • List the things Paul is thankful for.
    • List the things you’re thankful for.
    • Do you tend more to thankfulness or complaining? How can you cultivate an attitude of thankfulness in your prayers?

Recap & Reflect

  • Having looked at some of Paul’s prayers, what are some themes that would be helpful to integrate into your own prayer life?
  • Why does Paul include the message of the Gospel in his prayers? Consider using this as a tool in your own prayer-life.
  • In each prayer, Paul talks about thankfulness. Make a personal list of things/people/gospel truths that you are thankful for and would like to focus on more in prayer. You can share these in your group and then finish in prayer.

Leader’s notes

The notes are here to help you lead a group and answer tough questions. The idea isn’t to read the “right” answer out after each question, but rather to give you support or the helpful nudge in guiding your discussion in the right direction. Feel free to use them as best suits your group.

  1. Why does Paul pray that they be filled with the knowledge of God’s will?
    v. 10
    • How does this help us understand what the will of God for us is?
      He prays this so that they may walk worthy of their calling as Christians, living lives pleasing to God, bearing fruit in good works, growing in their knowledge of God. This is God’s will for all of us who are Christians.
  2. In verses 11-14, how does Paul seek to encourage the Colossians in the face of the hardship they’re going through?
    He reminds them of the Gospel! He includes this in his prayer, knowing that this is what will give them hope and strength: the promised deliverance, inheritance, redemption, and forgiveness of sins.

Download the complete study: Bible study on Prayer (PDF)

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