Made New: An Ephesians Book StudySample

This passage may make you squirm a little. I admit. Any conversation around prayer can have that effect on me as well. When the topic of prayer comes up, it usually sounds like - Pray more, Pray better, Pray this way, Pray that way. Honestly, we can be committed to prayer and convinced of its power while still struggling to embrace it fully.

As we approach prayer, we are tempted to lose ourselves in the HOW versus the WHO and quickly get stuck in the technical. However, an effective and active prayer life begins by grasping the fact that there is a gap between what we are experiencing, what we are controlling, and what God is actually capable of.

Prayer is the ongoing communication and conversation with God that reminds us of our limits and His limitlessness. How we pray has less to do with our technique and more to do with Who is listening. Prayer is simply communion and connection with God.

Paul is not telling the Ephesians (and us) to simply get our prayer lives together. He’s not encouraging them to pray better, longer, or in a specific style. Instead, he points them toward their Heavenly Father and says, “The things you are concerned about, make a matter of prayer…and oh, by the way, throw some prayers up for me as well.” (vs. 18-19).

Notice how Paul emphasizes praying “in the Spirit” (v. 18). We are to align our prayers with God’s will and allow the Holy Spirit to intercede for us when words fall short. It comes down to surrendering our desires and aligning our hearts with God’s purposes.

Prayer is how we communicate with God for ourselves and others. So, let’s fight the urge to rely solely on ourselves. Let’s push off the idea that prayer is too much work and is just a last resort.

Instead, let’s face the Father daily and bring our hopes, needs, desires, and thoughts to Him. Sam Gibson got it right when he said, “I don’t pray because I love prayer. I pray because I love God, and this is how you talk to him”.¹

¹Sam Gibson, quoted in Bethany Jenkins, “Learning to Love Prayer,” The Gospel Coalition, April 1, 2023, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/learning-love-prayer/.

Response
1. How does praying “in the Spirit” (v. 18) contribute to understanding the Holy Spirit’s role in prayer and intercession? Are you aware of this reality in your everyday prayer moments?

2. How can you align your prayers with God’s will, especially when facing challenges or uncertainties in life? What steps can you take to deepen your trust in God’s guidance through prayer? What practical ways can you incorporate more prayer into your daily routine?

3. Reflect on your prayer life. Are you praying consistently and with purpose? Are you praying for others, lifting their needs before God? If not, invite the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers, aligning them with God’s will and empowering you to live out your faith boldly.

Weekly Memory Verse
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."
Ephesians 6:11

Written by Lee Coate