Session 3: Your Authority In Prayer

The Purpose, Practice, and Power of Prayer: A Saddleback Church Small Group Study

Episode 3 of The Purpose Practice and Power of Prayer series. This is a church small group Bible study series from Buddy Owens at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California.

CHECKING IN

1. Share something you are thankful for today.

2. How did last week’s lesson affect the way you prayed this week?

KEY VERSE
God raised us up with Christ and seated us with

him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:6 (NIV)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What does it mean to you to pray in Jesus’ name?
2. Have somebody in your group re-read Ephesians 1:18–23; 2:6–10 (in the video outline) aloud. How does this passage shape your perspective on where and how you stand in your authority in Christ?
3. Talk about the relationship between praying in the authority of Jesus’ name and being a person of the Word.
4. What stood out to you about the reality of standing on the earth and being seated in the heavenly realms? Does this make you think differently about God’s purpose for you on earth?

PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE

Read Ephesians 1–2 every day this week and, as Buddy said, “Let these truths steep into your soul.” Try turning these chapters into a prayer, talking about them with God. For example, “Lord, enlighten the eyes of my heart so that I may better know the hope to which you have called me. Help me appreciate the riches of your glorious inheritance and understand your incomparably great power for me.”

PRAYER DIRECTION

The truth about your authority in prayer can feel daunting. As a group, turn any of these feelings into gratitude. Thank God for the authority which he has given you in Christ. Pray for strength and conviction to use this authority to be Christ’s ambassador on earth.

Share your prayer requests and pray for each other before you finish your meeting. Ask someone in the group to write them all down and then email them to all your group members. Commit to pray for each other throughout the week.

DIVING DEEPER

Dive deeper this week by reading Praying for Peace by Jimmy, Carol, and Buddy Owens. Chapter 5, “Spiritual Warfare: Setting Captives Free” deals with your position of authority, your position of strength, taking back enemy territory, and dealing with spiritual attacks.

This series was created for Saddleback Church's small group curriculum series. For more great Bible studies and small group curriculum, visit pastors.com

And for more great podcasts, visit Lumivoz.com