The Ties That Bind - Part 6: Connected Through Prayer

MAIN TEXT(S): Ephesians 6:10-20

BIG IDEA: Prayer is the spiritual lifeline that connects us to God and strengthens the body of Christ.

CONTEXT: Ephesians was one of Paul’s prison letters, written in Rome around AD 62. He’d invested a great deal of time in Ephesus, having visited there briefly near the end of his second missionary journey, then having spent three years in the city on his third journey (see Acts 19). Paul wrote to clarify the concept of the church—what it is, how one enters it, and how one behaves as part of it. The one message that speaks most clearly in Ephesians is that, as our understanding of God’s investment to redeem us for his own glory grows, so must our diligent commitment to live by the instructions he has provided.

DISCUSSION GUIDE:

I. Prayer Connects Us With Our Strength (vv. 10–12)

  • What is the difference between a spiritual battle and an everyday struggle?

  • What are some ways we mistakenly treat people as “the enemy” instead of recognizing the real forces at work?

II. Prayer Connects Us With Our Safeguard (vv. 13-17)

  • Which piece of the armor of God do you find yourself relying on most? Which one do you tend to neglect or underestimate?

  • How can prayer act as both a defense and an offense in spiritual battles?

III. Prayer Connect Us With Our Stamina (v. 18)

  • What keeps us from sharing our needs with others so they can pray for us?

IV. Prayer Connect Us With Our Support (vv. 19-20)

  • Why do you think Paul asked for prayer for boldness instead of for comfort?

  • What does that teach us about our own prayer life?

  • Who could you “adopt” this week to pray for? Who could you ask to be in prayer for you?

ACTION STEPS:

As you connect with God and fellow believers through prayer, consider how you will fight the spiritual battles. Each day, prepare for your prayer time by:

  • Spotting your enemy: Is it an everyday struggle or is it a spiritual battle?

  • Suiting up: Read Eph. 6:13-17 and ask yourself if you have on the full armor of God. If not, what’s missing?

  • Strategizing your intercession: How will you spend your time in prayer?

  • Putting Spirit time before scroll time: Pray as often as you pick up your phone.

  • Speaking boldly: Share your faith at every opportunity, speaking the name of Jesus over every situation you encounter.