Amen! - Prayers of the Scriptures

Ephesians 3

Joel Miles

July 28, 2024



Question 1: Understanding the Reason in Ephesians 3:14

• Read Ephesians 3:14: This verse begins with "For this reason," referring to the preceding context.
• Discuss in Small Groups: What is the "reason" Paul is referring to in Ephesians 1-2?
• Come Back Together: Summarize what Ephesians 1-2 teaches about what God has already done for all people though Jesus Christ. 

Question 2: Paul's Intercession for the Ephesians

• Reflect: How does understanding Ephesians 1-2 help explain why Paul, a first-century Jew, would prayerfully intercede for the Gentile believers in Ephesus?
• Personal Application: Are there people you struggle to pray for? How does Paul's example encourage you to pray for them?

Question 3: God's Love and Our Assurance

• Consider: Paul's assurance in God's love through Jesus motivates him to pray for others.
• Reflect: Do you fully understand and believe in the depth of God's love for you through Jesus? What makes you struggle to believe this? What is your typical picture of God? How can others encourage you to believe that God loves you far more than you can imagine?

Question 4: Paul's Prayer in Ephesians 3:14-19

• Read Ephesians 3:14-19: Summarize what Paul is praying for in these verses.
• Discuss: Why is it significant that Paul prays for others to know the love of Christ? What do you think about the phrase "to know this love that surpasses knowledge"?

Question 5: Comparing Prayers

• Reflect: How is Paul's intercessory prayer different from how you normally pray for others?
• Encouragement: How does seeing Paul's prayer encourage you to refocus your prayers toward knowing God's love?

Question 6: Praying for Each Other

• Practical Application: How can you pray for one another to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge? Do you need to pray this for yourself?
• Prayer Time: Spend time praying for each other to know God's love.