IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER PRIMARY 4 LESSON NOTE SECOND TERM CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES (CRS) WEEK 9

Unified Schemes of Work

Plan Lesson Note

Subject : Christian Religious Studies

Class : Primary Four

Class : Second Term

Week : Week 9

Topic : Importance of Prayer

Learning Objectives : By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to

• State the importance of prayer
• Mention the instances that Jesus prayed
• Identify things to pray for

 

Learning Activities :

• Pupils as individuals take turn to read the Bible
• Pupils in small groups discuss the importance of prayer
• Pupils in pairs, mention instances that Jesus prayed

Embedded Core Skills 

• Communication and Collaboration
• Creativity and Imagination
• Critical thinking and problem solving

Audio Visual Resources

• The Holy Bible

• Luke 21 : 22

• Mark 3 : 6

• Luke 6 : 12

• A chart or drawing showing praying hands 🙏

Content :

The Importance of prayer 🙏

1. Connection with a Higher Power: Prayer allows us to connect with a higher power, which can give us a sense of comfort, guidance, and purpose in our lives.
2. Stress Relief: Prayer can be a form of meditation, which can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Taking time to pray can provide a mental break from the demands of daily life.
3. Improved Mental Health: Studies have shown that prayer can have a positive impact on mental health. It can help reduce symptoms of depression, improve self-esteem, and increase feelings of hope and optimism.
4. Strengthens Faith: Regular prayer can help strengthen one’s faith and spiritual beliefs. It can provide a sense of grounding and clarity in one’s spiritual journey.
5. Increased Gratitude: Prayer can help cultivate a sense of gratitude for the good things in life. Focusing on the blessings in our lives can help shift our perspective and bring more positivity into our daily experiences.
6. Connection with Community: Prayer can bring people together and create a sense of community. Whether it’s through group prayer sessions or simply sharing prayer requests with friends and family, prayer can help foster deeper connections with others.
7. Compassion and Empathy: Prayer can increase feelings of compassion and empathy for others. When we pray for others, we are reminded of their struggles and can develop a deeper understanding of their experiences.
8. Sense of Purpose: Prayer can help us reflect on our values and priorities in life, which can lead to a greater sense of purpose and meaning. It can help us align our actions with our beliefs and lead a more fulfilling life.
9. Improved Relationships: Prayer can improve our relationships with others by helping us develop forgiveness, patience, and understanding. It can also help us communicate our feelings and needs more effectively.
10. Strengthens Self-Discipline: Prayer requires a level of self-discipline and commitment. Regular prayer can help strengthen this trait, which can translate into other areas of our lives such as work, relationships, and personal growth

Jesus taught his followers about the importance of prayer because he believed that it was a way to connect with God and find peace and guidance in life. Here are some examples that can help you understand more:

1. Jesus himself prayed: Jesus himself spent a lot of time in prayer, which showed his followers that prayer was important. In fact, in the Bible, we read about how Jesus would often go off by himself to pray, sometimes spending entire nights in prayer.
2. Prayer helps us talk to God: Jesus taught his followers that prayer was a way to talk to God. Just like how we talk to our friends or family, we can talk to God through prayer. We can tell him about our worries, our hopes, and our needs.
3. Prayer can bring us peace: Jesus also taught his followers that prayer can bring us peace. When we pray, we can ask God for help with our problems or worries, and we can trust that he is listening and will help us. This can bring us comfort and calmness, even in difficult times.
4. Prayer can help us make good choices: Jesus believed that prayer could help us make good choices. When we pray, we can ask God for guidance and wisdom, which can help us make decisions that are in line with our values and beliefs.
5. Prayer can bring us closer to God: Finally, Jesus believed that prayer could help us grow closer to God. When we pray regularly, we can develop a deeper relationship with God and feel more connected to him. This can bring us a sense of joy and fulfillment in life.

 

 

Evaluation

1. Why did Jesus pray so often? a) To show off his religious knowledge b) To teach his followers about the importance of prayer c) To impress his friends
2. What did Jesus believe was the purpose of prayer? a) To talk to God and ask for forgiveness b) To help us make good choices c) To bring us closer to God
3. According to Jesus, what can prayer bring us? a) Anxiety and fear b) Peace and calmness c) Frustration and anger
4. How can prayer help us make good choices? a) By telling us what to do b) By giving us guidance and wisdom c) By making us feel important
5. Why did Jesus believe prayer was important? a) To show off his religious beliefs b) To bring us closer to God and find peace c) To make us feel superior to others
6. What can prayer help us develop? a) A sense of joy and fulfillment b) A sense of anger and resentment c) A sense of fear and anxiety
7. What did Jesus do when he prayed? a) He talked to himself b) He talked to God c) He ignored everyone else
8. How can prayer bring us closer to God? a) By making us feel superior to others b) By helping us develop a deeper relationship with God c) By making us feel inferior to others
9. According to Jesus, what can prayer help us with? a) Our physical health b) Our emotional health c) Our social life
10. Why did Jesus believe that prayer was important for his followers? a) To impress other people b) To find peace and guidance in life c) To become more important than others

 

Instances That Jesus Prayed

Instances from the Bible when Jesus prayed.

1. Luke 21:22 – Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane just before his arrest and crucifixion. This was a very important moment for Jesus because he knew that he was about to face a lot of pain and suffering. So, he went to a quiet place to pray and ask God for strength and guidance. In this prayer, Jesus said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
2. Mark 3:6 – In this instance, Jesus prayed for a man who had a withered hand. The Pharisees were watching to see if Jesus would heal on the Sabbath day, which they considered to be against the Jewish law. But Jesus, instead of healing the man immediately, prayed for him first. Then, he told the man to stretch out his hand, and it was completely healed.
3. Luke 6:12 – Before Jesus chose his twelve disciples, he spent the whole night in prayer. This shows us that Jesus valued prayer as a way to seek God’s guidance and wisdom. He didn’t just make a hasty decision, but took time to pray and reflect on his choices.

These are three instances from the Bible when Jesus prayed. In each of these instances, prayer played an important role in helping Jesus find strength, guidance, and wisdom. Through prayer, Jesus was able to connect with God and trust in his plan for his life and the lives of those around him

 

 

Evaluation

1. In which location did Jesus pray before his arrest and crucifixion? a) In a synagogue b) In the Garden of Gethsemane c) In a marketplace
2. In Mark 3:6, who was watching Jesus when he prayed for the man with a withered hand? a) The Pharisees b) The disciples c) The Romans
3. Before choosing his twelve disciples, what did Jesus do? a) He prayed the whole night b) He went fishing c) He took a walk in the countryside
4. What did Jesus pray for in the Garden of Gethsemane? a) That he wouldn’t have to face pain and suffering b) That God’s will be done, even if it meant he had to suffer c) That he would become powerful and famous
5. Who did Jesus pray for in Mark 3:6? a) A blind man b) A deaf man c) A man with a withered hand
6. In Luke 21:22, what did Jesus say to God in his prayer? a) “Take this cup from me” b) “I am the son of God” c) “I have come to save the world”
7. Why did Jesus pray for the man with the withered hand in Mark 3:6? a) To show off his powers b) To teach a lesson to the Pharisees c) To seek God’s guidance and help
8. What did Jesus do after he prayed in Luke 6:12? a) He went to sleep b) He went to preach to the crowds c) He chose his twelve disciples
9. In Luke 21:22, what did Jesus mean when he said “take this cup from me”? a) He wanted a cup of water b) He didn’t want to face the suffering that was ahead of him c) He was thirsty and wanted a drink
10. What did Jesus value about prayer, according to Luke 6:12? a) That it was a waste of time b) That it was a way to seek God’s guidance and wisdom c) That it was a way to show off his religious knowledge

 

Things to pray for

1. Gratitude: One of the most important things to pray for is gratitude. Thank God for the blessings in your life, such as good health, loving family and friends, a comfortable home, and a fulfilling job.
2. Forgiveness: Ask God for forgiveness for any mistakes or wrongs you have done. Ask for the strength to make amends and to avoid making the same mistakes in the future.
3. Guidance: Pray for guidance in making decisions, whether big or small. Ask God to give you wisdom and discernment to make the right choices in your life.
4. Strength: Life can be challenging at times, so it’s important to pray for strength to face difficulties and overcome obstacles. Pray for the courage to persevere through tough times and to come out stronger on the other side.
5. Others: Don’t forget to pray for others. Ask God to bless your loved ones, friends, and even your enemies. Pray for those who are struggling with illness, loss, or any other challenges.
6. Healing: If you or someone you know is sick, pray for healing. Ask God to provide comfort and strength to those who are suffering and to help them overcome their health challenges.
7. Peace: In a world that can be chaotic and stressful, pray for peace. Ask God to provide a sense of calmness and serenity in your life and in the lives of those around you.
8. Protection: Pray for protection from harm, both physical and emotional. Ask God to shield you from danger and to provide a safe environment for you and your loved ones.
9. Wisdom: Pray for wisdom in your everyday life. Ask God to help you make good choices and to provide clarity in your thoughts and actions.
10. Salvation: Finally, pray for salvation. Ask God to help you grow in your faith and to guide you towards living a life that is pleasing to Him.

 

Evaluation

1. What is one thing you should pray for? a) Money and material possessions b) Gratitude for blessings in your life c) Revenge against your enemies
2. What is one thing you should ask for forgiveness for? a) Good deeds you have done b) Mistakes or wrongs you have done c) Compliments you have received
3. What is one thing you should pray for guidance in? a) What to eat for breakfast b) Making important decisions in your life c) What TV show to watch
4. What is one thing you should pray for strength in? a) Sleeping well at night b) Facing difficulties and overcoming obstacles c) Eating healthy and exercising regularly
5. What is one thing you should pray for others? a) That they would fail in their pursuits b) That they would be blessed and happy c) That they would experience bad luck
6. What is one thing you should pray for healing from? a) Sadness and loneliness b) A physical or emotional illness c) A good day at work
7. What is one thing you should pray for peace in? a) Your work life b) Your family life c) The chaotic world around you
8. What is one thing you should pray for protection from? a) Good things happening to you b) Harm or danger c) Joy and happiness
9. What is one thing you should pray for wisdom in? a) Making bad choices b) Everyday decisions in life c) The things you already know how to do well
10. What is one thing you should pray for salvation from? a) Bad luck b) The wrath of God c) Living a life that is not pleasing to God

 

Lesson Presentation

Procedure:

Revision of last topic 

• Revise the last topic which was JESUS PRAYS TO THE FATHER PRIMARY 4 LESSON NOTE SECOND TERM CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES (CRS) WEEK 8

I. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever prayed before.
• Discuss briefly what prayer is and why people pray.
• Explain that in this lesson, we will learn more about the importance of prayer and things we can pray for.

II. Importance of Prayer (15 minutes)

• Explain to students that prayer is a way to connect with a higher power, whether it be God or another spiritual entity.
• Discuss some of the benefits of prayer, such as reducing stress and anxiety, strengthening faith, and improving relationships with others.
• Provide examples of instances in the Bible when Jesus prayed, such as Luke 21:22, Mark 3:6, and Luke 6:12 (optional).

III. Things to Pray For (20 minutes)

• Distribute handouts with examples of things to pray for, such as gratitude, forgiveness, guidance, strength, and others.
• Have students read through the examples and discuss as a group.
• Encourage students to come up with their own ideas of things to pray for and share them with the class.

IV. Conclusion (10 minutes)

• Review the importance of prayer and the different things we can pray for.
• Have students take a moment to think about something they would like to pray for.
• End the lesson with a group prayer or moment of silent reflection.

Assessment:

• During the class discussion and group activities, observe and assess the students’ participation and understanding of the importance of prayer and things to pray for.
• Have students write down something they learned about prayer in their journal or notebook

Homework

1. What is prayer? a) A way to connect with a higher power b) A way to show off to others c) A way to make wishes
2. What are some benefits of prayer? a) Reducing stress and anxiety b) Strengthening faith c) Improving physical strength
3. What are some things to pray for? a) Gratitude, forgiveness, guidance, and strength b) Jealousy, anger, hatred, and revenge c) Laziness, boredom, procrastination, and forgetfulness
4. What is the importance of prayer? a) To show off to others b) To reduce stress and anxiety c) To connect with a higher power
5. Who is an example of someone who prayed in the Bible? a) The Tooth Fairy b) Santa Claus c) Jesus
6. What is an example of something to pray for according to the lesson? a) Revenge against someone who wronged you b) Winning the lottery c) Forgiveness for mistakes or wrongs done
7. What is one benefit of prayer mentioned in the lesson? a) Improving your physical strength b) Strengthening your faith c) Making you more selfish
8. What is one thing you should pray for according to the lesson? a) Laziness and procrastination b) Gratitude for blessings in your life c) Jealousy and envy
9. Why is prayer important according to the lesson? a) To make wishes and hope they come true b) To show off to others c) To connect with a higher power and find peace and guidance in life
10. What are some examples of things to pray for according to the lesson? a) Gratitude, forgiveness, guidance, strength, and others b) Jealousy, anger, hatred, and revenge c) Laziness, boredom, procrastination, and forgetfulness

 

Assignment

1. Prayer is a way to connect with a ______ power, whether it be God or another spiritual entity. Answer: higher
2. Praying can help reduce ______ and anxiety, strengthen faith, and improve relationships with others. Answer: stress
3. Examples of things to pray for include _______, forgiveness, guidance, strength, and others. Answer: gratitude
4. One benefit of prayer is that it can help _______ physical and emotional health. Answer: improve
5. Jesus prayed in the _______ of Gethsemane just before his arrest and crucifixion. Answer: Garden
6. Ask God for _______ for any mistakes or wrongs you have done. Answer: forgiveness
7. Pray for _______ in making decisions, whether big or small. Answer: guidance
8. In a world that can be chaotic and stressful, pray for _______. Answer: peace
9. Pray for _______ from harm, both physical and emotional. Answer: protection
10. Pray for _______ to help you make good choices and to provide clarity in your thoughts and actions. Answer: wisdom

 

Weekly Assessment /Test 

1. What is prayer?
2. What are some benefits of prayer?
3. Give an example of something to pray for.
4. Why is prayer important?
5. Who is an example of someone who prayed in the Bible?
6. Name one benefit of prayer mentioned in the lesson.
7. Give an example of something to pray for according to the lesson.
8. What is one thing you should pray for according to the lesson?
9. Name one location where Jesus prayed in the Bible.
10. What are some examples of things to pray for according to the lesson?