By Michael C. Mack

If Jesus were praying for your group or your church, what specifically would you most want him to pray for? 

Read John 17:6-21. 

What words would you use to describe Jesus’ approach, tone, and feelings during this prayer? 

What do you learn in general about prayer from this passage? 

What is the connection between prayer and:

• God’s kingdom?

• Our mission?

• Stewardship of our lives?

• God’s authority?

• God’s timetable?

Do you believe it’s possible for your group to be one just as Jesus and the Father are one? Why or why not? If not, what do you believe is holding you back from having that kind of community with one another?

If you were to live in the kind of Christ-centered, authentic community that Jesus prayed about here, what would be the impact on your community? on your city? on the world? 

Conclude your time together by praying through this passage—praying in agreement with Jesus’ words for you, your group, and your church.

Michael Mack leads church training events and consults with churches through his ministry, Small Group Leadership (www.smallgroupleadership.com).