Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 14:13-14; 15:7, 16; 16:23-24, 26-27), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• Praying in Jesus’ name means asking the Father for things as if we were Jesus himself. Do you believe this, or is this a new thought for you? Is it your functional paradigm for prayer? Why is it okay for us to assume Jesus’ identity in prayer?

• It is God’s idea that you ask him for things. Why is this amazing and unique?

• Is dependence upon God in prayer a last resort for you, or a privilege you are glad to exercise whenever you can? Why would it be a last resort for people? … Do you more often feel guilty about your lack of prayer, or elated to consider that you really are invited to pray? Why would people feel guilty about a lack of prayer?

• Praying as if we were Jesus himself means, ultimately, asking for what he wants. How do you feel about that? Is there conflict between what you want and what Jesus wants? If so, why?

• What are some alternatives to praying in Jesus’ name that you find in the world (or even in the church)? How do they differ from asking the Father for things as if we were Jesus? Is there anything good to be said about alternatives to biblical prayer?