Connect:
- Open in prayer.
- Share a story about a time in your life when you experienced God’s love or felt God was close to you. What were the circumstances around this experience? How did it change you as a follower of Jesus?
Discuss:
- Read Ephesians 3:14-21. What stands out to you in this text?
- Paul begins this prayer by declaring that every family has the same Father. In other words, we are all family in Christ. List the last names of the people in the room. Ask, “In what ways do we already operate as a family?” and “In what ways could we grow closer as a family?”
- The heart of Paul’s prayer is that God’s love would lead to strengthening power and the fullness of God. In other words, Paul believes that God’s love leads a person to a flourishing life. As you look at verses 16-19, what elements do you feel you have in your life? What elements are missing, or would you like to grow more in?
- The end of Paul’s prayer in verses 20-21 is a powerful statement of the ability and power of God. While Paul does not use the word hope, this is the sort of verse that can stir up hope in a person. What areas of your life have you seen this to be true? What areas of your life are you struggling to see God’s power at work?
Pray:
- In groups of 3 or 4:
- Take a moment for each person, listening to God, praying as He leads you, and asking Him to fill this person with His love.
- Pray over the items shared in the discussion and ask whether each person wants anything else prayed for.
- Finish with a short prayer back together as a whole group.