Week of October 19, 2025 – Colossians: Pray, Plead, Participate
Description:
In Colossians, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that Jesus isn’t just a part of God’s story—He’s the author. He is before all things, above all things, and first in everything. As we explore His supremacy, we’ll ask a challenging question: Is Jesus merely important to you, or is He truly first in your life?
Small Group Study Guide
Ice Breaker Questions
- Have you ever learned a new word or bought a new car—and then started seeing it everywhere? (This connects to the Frequency Illusion idea.)
- What’s one thing you’ve been praying about consistently lately?
- How would you describe your prayer life right now—in a word or phrase?
Read Together
Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:
Main Passage:
Dig Deeper Scriptures:
Optional verses for those who want to explore more deeply:
- Matthew 6:9–13 — The Lord’s Prayer (our model for praying, pleading, and participating).
- 1 Peter 3:15 — Being prepared to give a reason for your hope.
Discussion Questions
1. Pray Devoutly
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” (v. 2)
- What does it mean to devote yourself to prayer rather than just say a prayer?
- How can thanksgiving change the way you pray or the way you see your circumstances?
- What does it mean to have an alert mind in prayer?
- Have you ever experienced a “spiritual frequency illusion” — where the more you prayed, the more you noticed God at work around you?
Dig Deeper:
Read James 4:2–3.
What are some ways we might ask God with the wrong motives?
How do we shift our focus from what we want to what God wants?
2. Plead Purposely
“Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities… Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.” (vv. 3–4)
- What’s striking about Paul’s prayer request from prison?
- Why do you think Paul focuses on clarity and opportunity rather than comfort and release?
- How can we make our prayers more purposeful—focused on God’s Kingdom rather than our convenience?
- Who could you begin praying for this week—someone who’s on mission for Jesus or leading in ministry?
Dig Deeper:
Read Matthew 6:10.
What does it mean to truly pray, “May Your Kingdom come, may Your will be done”?
What might that look like in your home, workplace, or neighborhood?
3. Participate Preparedly
“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive…” (vv. 5–6)
- What does it look like to live “wisely” in today’s culture?
- Why is how we speak often just as important as what we say?
- What does it mean for your faith to be integrated into everything you do—not just church activities?
- How can your prayer life prepare you to participate more meaningfully in God’s work around you?
Dig Deeper:
Read 1 Peter 3:15.
How can we be ready to share our hope in Christ without coming across as pushy or defensive?
What helps you speak with both grace and truth?
Action Steps
Encourage everyone to choose one or two concrete next steps this week.
- Pray Devoutly – Set aside a focused time to pray every day with gratitude.
- Plead Purposely – Pray daily for your church leaders, missionaries, or a friend who’s far from God.
- Participate Preparedly – Ask God to make you alert for one opportunity this week to share hope, serve someone, or show grace.
- BONUS CHALLENGE: Pray through The Lord’s Prayer each day this week—slowly and thoughtfully—using it as a rhythm to guide your heart and priorities.
Closing Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
may Your name be kept holy.
May Your Kingdom come soon.
May Your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.
Lord, help us this week to pray devoutly,
plead purposely, and participate preparedly—
so that everything we do, we do it for You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
