Small Church May 5, 2024

Conversation Guide for May 5, 2024

Becoming Present to God

While lighting a candle to remind you of God’s Presence, have someone read the candle prayer:

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
You have called us out of darkness into light.
Open our eyes to your presence,
Open our ears to your call,
Open our hearts to your love.

AMEN

Becoming Present to One Another

Share a consolation (what you are most grateful for) and desolation (what you are least grateful for) from the past week.

As an introductory question, answer:

How have you seen physical healing portrayed in popular culture (movies, tv, etc.)?

In Conversation with the Word

Read Scripture

Ephesians 3:14-21

Watch the Video

Discuss

1. What stands out to you from this passage?
2. How might the prayer of this passage be considered the peak of our faith?
3. What do you think is meant by “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith”? How have you experienced this or the absence of this?
4. What do you think about the language of “knowing what is beyond knowledge”?
5. What kind of damage can be done if we move to passages like Ephesians 5:22-33 and Ephesians 6:1-9 without the awareness that such passages come after this passage?
6. How is this a prayer for individuals? How is it a prayer for a church? A community?

Prayer and Blessing

As according to your particular small church practice, spend some time in prayer for one another and for the world.

Close with someone reading the blessing over you all as the candle is blown out.

May the Father of many resting places grant you rest;
May the Christ who stilled the storm grant you calm;
May the Spirit who fills all things grant you peace.
God’s light be your light,
God’s love be your love,
God’s way be your way.

AMEN