Welcome, teenagers! Today, we will be discussing one of the most powerful prayers in the Bible, found in Ephesians 1:15-23. As young believers, it’s important to understand that prayer is a vital part of growing in our faith. Through prayer, we can connect with God, ask for guidance, and seek His will in our lives.
Bible Reading 1: Ephesians 1:15-19
“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe.”
Explanation
As we read this passage, we see that the Apostle Paul was thankful for the faith of the believers in Ephesus. He prayed that they would be given the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that they could truly know God and the hope to which they were called.
Through prayer, we can also ask God to give us a deeper understanding of His Word and His plans for our lives. In this way, prayer becomes an essential part of our journey of faith.
Bible Reading 2: Ephesians 1:20-23
“…that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”
Explanation
In this passage, we see the incredible power of Christ, who was raised from the dead and seated at the right hand of God. As believers, we are part of His body, the church. Through prayer, we can ask for His strength and guidance to live out our faith in a world that can be challenging and difficult.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
1. What are some of the challenges you face in growing your faith?
2. How can prayer help you overcome these challenges?
3. Have you ever experienced the power of prayer in your own life? Share your story with the group.
4. What does it mean to be part of the body of Christ?
Youth Group Game: “Prayer Chain”
For this game, form a circle with the youth group members. Give one person a ball of yarn and have them hold onto the end of the string. They should then toss the ball to another member of the group, while holding onto the string. As this continues, a chain will form. Once everyone has caught the ball, you will have formed a “prayer chain”.
Have each member of the group briefly share a prayer request, and then toss the ball to the next person. As each member shares their request, they hold onto the string. By the end of the game, you will have formed a physical representation of the power of prayer.
Closing Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the gift of prayer and for the power it holds in our lives. Help us to grow in our faith and understanding of Your Word. May we always remember that we are part of the body of Christ, and may we live out our faith in a way that honors You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.