Big Idea: The way we pray shapes the way we grow. A Church That Prays Deeply Learns To: 1. Pray With Gratitude For The People God Placed In Your Life (vv. 1-5) This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. 2 We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse, who are faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. May God our Father give you grace and peace. Colossians 1:1-2 (NLT2) 3 We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, 5 which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News. Colossians 1:3-5 (NLT2) God is already at work in the lives of people around you. ✔ their faith in Christ ✔ their love for others ✔ their hope in heaven • Each day, thank God for one specific person. 2. Pray For Life Change In One Another (6-8) 6 This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace. 7 You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf. 8 He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you. Colossians 1:6-8 (NLT2) Pray specifically for: • growth in their faith • love for others • spiritual maturity Am I praying for real spiritual growth in others—or just needs? 3. Pray for Spiritual Wisdom and Strength (vv. 9–12) 9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. 11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. Colossians 1:9-12 (NLT2) Three simple prayers: “God, help them know Your will.” “God, help them grow spiritually in wisdom and understanding.” “God, give them strength to endure.” Where do I need to grow deeper in my prayers? My Next Right Step: This week, I will: Thank God for visible evidence of grace in each other. Pray for spiritual fruit in one another. Ask God for wisdom and endurance. Accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior Sign up for baptism on May 3, 2026 TALK IT OVER Big Idea: The way we pray shapes the way we grow. Leader Focus: ✔ Review questions beforehand so you are prepared ✔ Honor your time commitment as a group. ✔ Keep discussion relational, not reactive ✔ Reinforce grace, humility, and unity Ice Breaker (Choose One): When you were growing up, what did prayer usually focus on? Read Together: Colossians 1:1–12 Discussion Questions: 1. (Family/Teens) Who is one person you’re thankful God has placed in your life? What do you appreciate most about them? What is one simple prayer you could pray for someone this week? Gratitude in Prayer (vv. 1–5) Paul thanks God for the faith, love, and hope he sees in others. Why do you think gratitude is such an important starting point in prayer? How might your perspective change if you intentionally thanked God for people before praying for them? Praying for Life Change (vv. 6–8) Paul focuses on spiritual growth—not just physical needs. What’s the difference between praying for needs vs. praying for spiritual growth? Which do you tend to pray more? Which is more common in your prayers right now? Spiritual Priorities in Prayer Paul highlights faith, love, and maturity. Which of these areas do you most want to see grow in the people around you? Why? How can you begin praying more specifically for that this week? Praying for Wisdom and Strength (vv. 9–12) Paul prays for knowledge of God’s will, spiritual growth, and endurance. Which of Paul’s three prayers do you need most right now – why? o Knowing God’s will o Growing spiritually o Strength to endure Why does that resonate with your current season? Personal Reflection Where do you feel your prayer life is currently shallow or routine? What would it look like for your prayers to go deeper this week? Group Prayer Time: Break into pairs or keep as small group and pray: ✔ Thank God for people in your life ✔ Pray for one another’s spiritual growth ✔ Ask God for wisdom, strength, and endurance Leader Tips: Set the tone: Keep the focus on spiritual depth, not just discussion. Encourage specificity: Encourage the group to name real people and real prayers. Model vulnerability: Share where your own prayer life needs to grow. Make space for prayer: Don’t rush the prayer time—this is the heart of the study.