PRAYING FOR CLARITY

1. How Paul prayed.

Ephesians 1:15-16

2. What we can pray.

A. For .

Ephesians 1:17

B. For .

Ephesians 1:18

C. For .

Psalm 119:18,

Psalm 119:34,

Psalm 119:135

3. What we can expect as we pray.

A. A confident .

Ephesians 1:18

B. An of our value.

Ephesians 1:19

C. The availability of His .

Ephesians 1:19

4. Why we can pray with confidence.

A. Jesus’ power.

Ephesians 1:20

B. Jesus’ place of .

Ephesians 1:20

C. Jesus’ over all things.

Ephesians 1:21

D. Jesus’ for the church.

Ephesians 1:22-23

MY NOTES:

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:

DISCUSSION

1. Read Ephesians 1:15-16.
   A. What are the two characteristics in the Ephesian church that Paul is thankful for in his prayers?
   B. Share an example of one of these characteristics that you have observed in a fellow Christian.
2. Take a look at v. 17-18a.
   A. How do we get to know the Lord better?
   B. To whom does Christ reveal Himself? See John 14:21.
3. In v. 18, Paul prays that the Ephesians would know “the hope to which God has called” them. This is the same hope and call that all
   Christ-followers have.
   A. What is this hope?
   B. What does it mean to be called to this hope? How does that play out in your life?
4. Verses 19-20 refer to “the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe,” a power that is comparable to the Father’s power to resurrect Christ.
   A. How, personally, have you experienced this power? Hint: if you are a believer, you have.
   B. What part does faith have?
5. Optional Question. Read vv. 21-23.
   A. The Father has put everything under Christ’s feet. Why then is there evil in the world?
   B. What does it mean that Christ fills everything in every way and that God plans to unite everything in Christ, Ephesians 1:10?

APPLICATION

This passage reminds us that being connected with God requires prayer. Paul teaches us a way we can “plug in” and learn more about the Lord through our conversations with Him as well as lifting others up in the process. This week, try Paul’s approach to connecting with God by praying through knowledge and heart. 

• Ask God to reveal more about himself through scripture (v. 17, wisdom/revelation)
• Ask the Lord to reach your heart and give you hope in a specific situation (v. 18 hope in Christ)

Tell God the specific life struggles you are placing at His feet, and lift others up in this same way, using Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians as a model.