On Sunday, Pastor Scott continued our series on how the Holy Spirit teaches us to pray, looking at John 15:1–8.
Discussion Questions:
Warm Up:
- In this week’s sermon we heard that busyness and recurring temptation can leave us feeling disconnected from God. When was the last time you felt disconnected from God? What were the circumstances?
Reflect on the Message
- What stood out to you from Sunday’s message about staying connected to Jesus and why?
- Pastor Scott said that “prayer doesn’t bring us closer to God—instead, prayer makes us aware of how close He already is through the Holy Spirit.” How does that reframe the way you think about prayer?
Scripture Engagement – Read John 15:1–8
- Jesus uses the word “remain” seven times in eight verses. Why do you think He emphasizes this word so strongly? What does it mean practically to “remain” in Jesus?
- Pastor Scott compared the things that kill branches in a vineyard (pests, disease, environmental stress, lack of light and water) to the things that pull us away from God. Which of these “branch killers” do you most relate to right now?
- Read John 14:16–17, 23. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will “be with” and “make a home” in His followers—using the same Greek word (meno) as “remain.” How does knowing that the Holy Spirit is Jesus’ plan for staying connected to us change the way you understand the vine and branches metaphor?
Personal Connection
- This week we heard the three roles of the Holy Spirit described as the following: Comforter (one who comes alongside), Teacher (who reminds us of Truth), and Empowerer (who enables us to bear fruit). Which of these three roles do you most need the Spirit to fill in your life right now? Why?
- Many of us grew up thinking of God as distant—someone far away who we send prayers to like “messages on carrier pigeons.” How has that view of God shaped your prayer life? How might understanding that God lives inside you through the Holy Spirit change the way you pray?
Practical Application
- Pastor Scott suggested three specific prayers we can practice this week based on who the Holy Spirit is:
- Listening prayer: “Spirit of God, who lives in me. Speak to me. Your servant is listening.” (Try this on your commute instead of a podcast or music.)
- Comfort prayer: “Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, comfort me.” (When overwhelmed with grief, anxiety, or stress.)
- Empowerment prayer: “Spirit of God, empower my heart and my body with Your supernatural power to love You and to love those around me.” (When you feel depleted.)
- Which of these three prayers do you want to commit to practicing this week? What specific moment in your daily routine could you begin praying one of these?
Group Prayer Time
- Pastor Scott closed by inviting us to place our hand over our heart and imagine Jesus saying, “This is how close I am to you.” As a group, take a moment of silence to do this exercise together. Then, share with one another: What is one area of your life where you need to “flip the switch” and allow the Holy Spirit’s power to flow? Pray over each other’s responses, specifically asking the Holy Spirit to comfort, teach, and empower each person.
CG questions witten by Annabella S.
