Friendship Without Performance

Discussion Questions:

1. Read John 15:9–11 together. When Jesus says He loves you the same way the Father loves Him, do you struggle to believe that? Why or why not? What experiences have shaped how easy or hard it is for you to receive love?

2. Read John 15:14–15. In what ways do you tend to relate to God more like an employee, student, or servant than a friend? How does that mindset affect the way you pray? What would it take for that relationship to feel more personal and relational?

3. Read Matthew 6:5–6. Jesus warns against prayer that’s shaped by being seen by others. How has your upbringing shaped the way you think prayer is supposed to sound? Have you ever felt pressure to pray “the right way”? How do you think God responds to honest, imperfect prayer?

4. Read Matthew 6:7–8. What fears come up when you think about praying without structure, scripts, or spiritual language? Do you trust that God actually understands you when your prayer doesn't seem as polished?

5. Read 1 Peter 5:7. What are the things you carry internally but hesitate to bring to God and why do you think you hold them back? How does this verse challenge you?

6. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18. What would change if prayer wasn’t something you started and stopped, but something you returned to throughout your day? Where in your daily rhythm would ongoing prayer feel most natural? What in your day usually interrupts your awareness of God’s presence?

7. Read John 15:11. When you think honestly about your prayer life, does it feel more like you have to pray or get to pray? Why? How might seeing God as a trusted friend reshape your motivation to pray? What’s one relational step you could take toward God this week?

8. If God really is your trusted friend, what conversation have you been avoiding that you feel invited to have with Him now?