Praying with Purpose: Understanding the Types and Power of Effective of Prayer (James 1:6-8, 4:1-3, John 5:14-15)

SUBJECT : CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

CLASS : SS 2

TERM : THIRD TERM

WEEK ONE

TOPIC: EFFECTIVE PRAYER

(James 1:6-8, 4:1-3, Jn 5:14-15)

Hello, class! Today, we’re going to talk about prayer. Prayer is an important aspect of many religious traditions and is a way for people to communicate with their higher power or deity. It is a form of worship and an expression of faith.

Prayer can take many forms, such as spoken or silent words, gestures, or thoughts. It can be done individually or in a group, in private or in public, and it can be structured or spontaneous. The purpose of prayer can vary depending on the religion or belief system, but generally, it is a way for people to seek guidance, express gratitude, ask for forgiveness, or make requests.

Let’s look at some examples of prayer in different religions:

1. Christianity: In Christianity, prayer is a way for Christians to communicate with God. Christians may pray for guidance in decision-making, give thanks for blessings, ask for forgiveness, or seek healing for themselves or others. For example, a Christian might say a prayer before a meal to express gratitude for the food they are about to eat.
2. Islam: In Islam, Muslims are required to pray five times a day facing the Kaaba in Mecca as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. These prayers, called Salah, are performed in a specific manner, involving specific physical postures and recitation of verses from the Quran. Muslims also engage in personal supplication or dua, where they can ask for personal needs or seek help from Allah. For example, a Muslim might perform the Maghrib prayer in the evening to seek forgiveness for any sins committed during the day.
3. Hinduism: In Hinduism, prayer can take various forms depending on the individual’s preference and the deity they are worshipping. It can involve offering flowers, incense, and other items to the gods and goddesses, reciting mantras or hymns, or performing rituals and ceremonies. For example, a Hindu might offer prayers to the god Ganesha before beginning a new venture or seeking success in their endeavors.
4. Buddhism: In Buddhism, prayer is a way for Buddhists to express reverence, devotion, and gratitude to the Buddha and other enlightened beings. It can involve meditation, chanting, or recitation of sacred texts. For example, a Buddhist might recite the “Om Mani Padme Hum” mantra as a form of prayer to invoke the blessings of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara

Meaning of prayer:   Prayer can be defined as a way of communicating and receiving from God. It is also a medium through which we communicate and relate with God.

Prayer is indeed a way of communicating and relating with God or a higher power, depending on one’s beliefs. It is a means of establishing a connection and seeking guidance, blessings, forgiveness, or expressing gratitude. It is a personal and often reverent act that allows individuals to express their faith, beliefs, and emotions to the divine. Just like how we communicate with our friends or family through talking or writing, prayer is a way to communicate with God or the divine in a spiritual sense. It can be done through spoken or silent words, gestures, or thoughts, and it is considered a vital practice in many religious and spiritual traditions around the world.

Factors that can hinder effective prayer:  

1. 1. Unbelief:  This is an act of doubting the ability of God to do what we have requested for in prayer.
2. Sin:  This means going against God’s will and doing what God hates. This can hinder prayer and make prayer less effective.

3. Ingratitude: This is an act of not being grateful or not showing appreciation to God for what He has done for us.
4. Lack of focus: When our mind is divided in the place of prayer. Lack of concentration in prayer causes unanswered prayer.
5. Impatience: When we lack waiting ability in the place of prayer. When we can no longer wait for God to answer our prayers, this can completely hinder answers to prayer.
6. Asking for wrong things: When we ask for wrong things in the place of prayer, God will not answer because our requests are not according to His will, but if we make our request according to His will He will hear us.
7. Attachment to worldly things:  When our thoughts are centred on how to acquire the things of this world without any reference to God, this may hinder answer to prayer.
8. Lack of Faith: Faith is an essential element of prayer. If one lacks faith or belief in the effectiveness of prayer, it can hinder the effectiveness of their prayers. Doubt or skepticism can create mental barriers that prevent one from fully engaging in prayer with sincerity and conviction.
9. Distractions: Distractions can be physical, mental, or emotional in nature and can disrupt one’s focus and concentration during prayer. External distractions such as noise, busy surroundings, or interruptions can take away from the reverent atmosphere needed for effective prayer. Internal distractions like racing thoughts, worries, or emotional turmoil can also hinder one’s ability to connect deeply with God during prayer.
10. Insincerity or Lack of Authenticity: Prayer requires sincerity and genuineness. If one’s prayers are insincere, mechanical, or performed without true conviction, it can hinder the effectiveness of the prayer. Praying merely out of habit or obligation, without heartfelt intention, may result in shallow or unfulfilled prayers.
11. Unresolved Conflicts or Unforgiveness: Holding onto grudges, unresolved conflicts, or harboring unforgiveness towards others can create emotional and spiritual barriers that hinder the effectiveness of prayer. These negative emotions can cloud one’s mind and heart, making it difficult to approach God with a clear and open heart during prayer.
12. Wrong Motives or Selfishness: Prayer should not be solely about personal gain or selfish desires. If one’s motives in prayer are solely focused on self-centered desires, materialistic gains, or manipulating outcomes, it can hinder the effectiveness of prayer. Prayer should be approached with a humble and selfless attitude, seeking God’s will and guidance above personal wants and needs.
13. Lack of Persistence and Patience: Effective prayer requires persistence and patience. If one gives up easily or becomes impatient when prayers are not answered immediately, it can hinder the effectiveness of prayer. God’s timing and ways may not always align with our expectations, and persistent, patient prayer is often required to see results.
14. Unconfessed Sin: Unconfessed sin or a lifestyle that is not aligned with one’s faith can create a barrier in effective prayer. Genuine repentance, confession, and living in accordance with one’s faith are important aspects of effective prayer. If there is unaddressed sin in one’s life, it can hinder the intimacy and effectiveness of their prayers.

Evaluation

1. Which of the following is the most accurate definition of prayer? a) A way of communicating and receiving from God b) A form of meditation c) A religious ritual d) A cultural tradition
2. What is a key factor that can hinder effective prayer? a) Strong faith b) Persistence and patience c) Authenticity and sincerity d) Distractions
3. What can be considered as a distraction during prayer? a) Noise and interruptions b) Emotional turmoil c) Racing thoughts d) All of the above
4. Which of the following is NOT a factor that can hinder effective prayer? a) Lack of persistence b) Authenticity and sincerity c) Unconfessed sin d) Strong faith
5. What is an important attitude to have during prayer? a) Selfishness b) Doubt c) Humility d) Unforgiveness
6. True or False: Prayer can be done only through spoken words. a) True b) False
7. What is the role of faith in effective prayer? a) Faith is not important in prayer b) Faith is necessary for effective prayer c) Faith can hinder effective prayer d) Faith is only important in certain religions
8. How can unresolved conflicts affect prayer? a) It has no impact on prayer b) It can enhance the effectiveness of prayer c) It can hinder effective prayer d) It can make prayer unnecessary
9. What is the recommended attitude towards personal desires during prayer? a) Selfishness and manipulation b) Seeking God’s will above personal desires c) Ignoring personal desires d) Focusing only on personal desires
10. How should one approach unconfessed sin in their life during prayer? a) Ignore it b) Confess and repent from it c) Hide it from God d) Deny its existence

(Note: The correct answers may vary based on personal beliefs and perspectives, but the answers suggested here are: 1a, 2d, 3d, 4d, 5c, 6b, 7b, 8c, 9b, 10b.

EFFECTIVE PRAYER (James 1:6-8, 4:1-3, Jn 5:14-15)

Let’s start by looking at James 1:6-8, which says, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” This verse emphasizes the importance of faith in effective prayer. It teaches us that when we pray, we must have unwavering faith and not allow doubt to cloud our minds. Doubt can weaken our prayers and hinder us from receiving answers from God. For example, if we pray for good health but doubt that God can heal us, our prayer may not be as effective as if we pray with strong faith, believing that God can do all things.

Another passage we can look at is James 4:1-3, which says, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” This verse teaches us that our motives and intentions in prayer are important. If we pray with selfish or wrong motives, seeking only personal gain or pleasures, our prayers may not be effective. God desires us to pray with selflessness and align our motives with His will, seeking what is best for ourselves and others. For example, if we pray for financial abundance solely for our own pleasures, without considering the needs of others or using it for God’s kingdom, our prayer may not be as effective as if we pray with a selfless heart.

Lastly, let’s look at John 5:14-15, which says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” This verse emphasizes the importance of aligning our prayers with God’s will. Effective prayer is not just about asking for what we want, but also seeking God’s will and aligning our desires with His plan. When we pray in accordance with God’s will, we can have confidence that He hears us and will answer our prayers. For example, if we pray for guidance in making an important decision and seek God’s will, our prayer may be more effective than if we pray without considering His guidance.

In summary, effective prayer requires faith, pure motives, selflessness, and alignment with God’s will. When we approach prayer with these principles in mind, our prayers are more likely to be effective and result in answers from God. Let’s strive to pray with sincerity, humility, and faith, seeking God’s will in all that we ask for.

EVALUATION

1. According to James 1:6-8, what is the consequence of doubting in prayer? a. God will ignore the prayer b. The prayer will be answered later c. The prayer will be ineffective d. Doubt has no impact on prayer
2. In James 4:1-3, what does the passage identify as a hindrance to effective prayer? a. Lack of faith b. Wrong motives c. Doubt d. Selflessness
3. What is emphasized in John 5:14-15 as a key factor in effective prayer? a. Having unwavering faith b. Asking for personal gain c. Seeking God’s will d. Praying with specific words
4. According to James 1:6-8, what is the analogy used to describe a person who doubts in prayer? a. A flower in bloom b. A tree rooted deep c. A wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind d. A rock that stands firm
5. What does James 4:3 teach us about the motives in prayer? a. Pray with selflessness and alignment with God’s will b. Pray for personal gain and pleasures c. Pray without considering others’ needs d. Pray for material possessions only
6. What does John 5:14-15 teach us about effective prayer? a. Pray for anything we want, regardless of God’s will b. Pray with confidence in God’s hearing and answering our prayers c. Pray without seeking God’s guidance or will d. Pray only for spiritual blessings
7. What is the result of having wrong motives in prayer, according to James 4:3? a. God will not hear the prayer b. The prayer will be delayed c. The prayer will be ineffective d. Wrong motives have no impact on prayer
8. How does James 1:6-8 describe a person who doubts in prayer? a. Stable and unwavering b. Double-minded and unstable c. Confident and assured d. Faithful and patient
9. What should be the basis of our prayers, according to John 5:14-15? a. Our own desires and wants b. God’s will and plan c. Other people’s opinions d. Random choices
10. What is the key requirement for effective prayer, as emphasized in James 1:6-8? a. Unwavering faith b. Asking with specific words c. Praying with others d. Praying at a certain time of the day

Types of prayer

The following are the types of prayer:

1. Supplication: This type of prayer involves making personal requests to God when we are facing problems or challenges. It is when we come to God with a humble heart, acknowledging our need for His help and seeking His intervention in our specific situations. Supplication is a form of petitionary prayer, where we ask God for guidance, provision, healing, forgiveness, or any other specific need we have.

Example: “Dear Lord, I humbly come before you, asking for your wisdom and guidance as I face this difficult decision. Please grant me clarity and discernment in making the right choice according to your will.”

2. Intercession: Intercessory prayer is when we pray on behalf of others. It is a selfless act of lifting up the needs and concerns of others before God, out of love and compassion for them. Intercession involves praying for the well-being, salvation, protection, and blessing of others, including our family, friends, community, nation, and even our enemies.

Example: “Heavenly Father, I intercede on behalf of my friend who is going through a tough time. Please comfort and strengthen them, provide for their needs, and guide them with your wisdom. May your healing and peace be upon them.”

3. Contemplation: This type of prayer involves being in God’s presence without uttering words. It is a form of silent prayer where we focus on God, meditate on His nature, and simply enjoy communion with Him. Contemplative prayer is about being still, listening to God’s voice, and allowing Him to speak to our hearts in a quiet and intimate way.

Example: Sitting in solitude, being still, and experiencing the peace and presence of God without speaking any words.

4. Praise: Praise is a type of prayer that involves acknowledging and glorifying God for who He is, His attributes, and His works. It is expressing our love, adoration, and gratitude towards God for His goodness, faithfulness, and grace. Praise can be done through words, songs, and expressions of worship.

Example: “Lord, you are worthy of all praise and honor. You are the Almighty, the Creator of the universe, and the source of all blessings. I praise you for your unfailing love, your wisdom, and your faithfulness.”

5. Dedication: Dedication is a type of prayer that involves committing ourselves afresh to God, acknowledging His lordship in our lives, and renewing our promises to remain faithful to Him. It is a prayer of surrender, where we offer our lives, time, talents, and resources to God for His service and glory.

Example: “Lord, I dedicate my life to you anew. Help me to live for your purpose, to follow your ways, and to serve you wholeheartedly. I surrender my will to yours, and I ask for your strength and grace to be faithful to you in all areas of my life.”

In summary, prayer is a multi-faceted communication with God, and the types of prayer mentioned – supplication, intercession, contemplation, praise, and dedication – represent different ways we can approach and engage with God in our personal and corporate prayer life. Each type of prayer serves a unique purpose and helps us deepen our relationship with God, grow in faith, and align our hearts with His will

Evaluation

1. What type of prayer involves making personal requests to God when facing problems? a) Intercession b) Contemplation c) Dedication d) Supplication
2. What type of prayer is when we pray for others out of burden and concern we have for them? a) Contemplation b) Dedication c) Praise d) Intercession
3. What type of prayer involves being before God without uttering words and experiencing His presence? a) Praise b) Supplication c) Dedication d) Contemplation
4. What type of prayer is when we acknowledge God as the reason for our existence and our creator? a) Praise b) Dedication c) Supplication d) Intercession
5. What type of prayer helps to commit ourselves afresh to God and renew our promises to Him? a) Intercession b) Dedication c) Contemplation d) Supplication
6. What type of prayer is when we offer our lives, time, talents, and resources to God for His service and glory? a) Praise b) Supplication c) Dedication d) Contemplation
7. What type of prayer is when we pray for others out of love and compassion for them? a) Intercession b) Contemplation c) Dedication d) Praise
8. What type of prayer involves acknowledging and glorifying God for who He is and His works? a) Supplication b) Contemplation c) Praise d) Dedication
9. What type of prayer is when we make personal requests to God whenever we have problems? a) Dedication b) Praise c) Intercession d) Supplication
10. What type of prayer involves surrendering our will to God and aligning our hearts with His? a) Praise b) Contemplation c) Dedication d) Intercession

Assignment: 

1. What is prayer? 
2.   In what three ways can Christians communicate to God?
3.   Mention and explain three factors that can hinder effective prayer.

Lesson Plan Presentation:

Understanding Types of Prayer

Grade Level: Senior Secondary 2 (SS2)

Subject: Christian Religious Studies (CRS)

Term : Third Term

Time Duration: 45 minutes

Objective:

1. To introduce students to the concept of prayer and its importance in the Christian faith.
2. To help students understand the different types of prayer as outlined in the Bible.
3. To facilitate a discussion on the significance of each type of prayer in the life of a believer.

Materials Needed:

1. Whiteboard or blackboard
2. Markers or chalk
3. Handout with Bible verses (James 1:6-8, 4:1-3, John 5:14-15)
4. Multiple-choice questions on the types of prayer (prepared in advance)
5. Reference Bible

Lesson Plan:

I. Introduction (5 minutes) A. Greet the students and introduce the topic of prayer. B. Engage the students with a thought-provoking question, such as: “What is prayer and why do Christians pray?” C. Allow students to share their thoughts and ideas on prayer. D. Share the objectives of the lesson with the students.

II. Definition of Prayer (5 minutes) A. Provide a clear and concise definition of prayer, such as: “Prayer is a way of communicating and relating with God, where believers express their thoughts, feelings, and requests to God.” B. Emphasize the importance of prayer in the Christian faith and its role in building a relationship with God. C. Use real-life examples or personal anecdotes to illustrate the significance of prayer in your own life or in the lives of prominent biblical characters.

III. Types of Prayer (15 minutes) A. Introduce the different types of prayer as outlined in the Bible: Supplication, Intercession, Contemplation, Praise, and Dedication. B. Define each type of prayer and provide biblical references to support the definitions:

1. Supplication – making personal requests to God when facing problems (James 1:6-8)
2. Intercession – praying for others out of burden and concern (1 Timothy 2:1)
3. Contemplation – being in God’s presence without uttering words (Psalm 46:10)
4. Praise – acknowledging and glorifying God for who He is and His works (Psalm 103:1-5)
5. Dedication – committing oneself afresh to God and renewing promises to Him (Romans 12:1-2) C. Discuss the significance of each type of prayer in the life of a believer, using examples and illustrations to make it relatable to the students. D. Use the handout with Bible verses to encourage students to read and reflect on the importance of each type of prayer in their personal lives.

IV. Class Discussion (15 minutes) A. Engage the students in a class discussion on the topic of prayer. B. Use open-ended questions to stimulate critical thinking and encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences related to prayer. C. Facilitate a meaningful discussion by providing guidance, clarifications, and feedback as needed. D. Use multiple-choice questions on the types of prayer to assess students’ understanding and reinforce the concepts covered in the lesson.

V. Conclusion (5 minutes) A. Summarize the main points covered in the lesson, highlighting the different types of prayer. B. Recap the significance of each type of prayer in the life of a believer. C. Encourage students to incorporate different types of prayer in their personal prayer life to strengthen their relationship with God. D. Close the lesson with a closing prayer, thanking God for the opportunity to learn about prayer and asking for His guidance in their prayer life.

Assessment:

1. Multiple-choice Questions: Provide the students with prepared multiple-choice questions on the types of prayer, covering the definitions and significance of each type. This will assess their understanding of the concepts discussed in the lesson.

Sample questions:

1. a. What type of prayer involves making personal requests to God when facing problems? i. Supplication ii. Intercession iii. Contemplation iv. Praise

   b. What type of prayer involves praying for others out of burden and concern? i. Supplication ii. Intercession iii. Contemplation iv. Dedication

   c. What type of prayer involves being in God’s presence without uttering words? i. Supplication ii. Intercession iii. Contemplation iv. Praise

2. Class Participation: Observe and assess the students’ participation in the class discussion. Take note of their engagement, contributions, and ability to connect the concepts of prayer to their personal lives or experiences.
3. Reflection/Response Writing: Ask students to reflect on the lesson and write a brief response on how they plan to incorporate different types of prayer in their personal prayer life. This will allow them to apply the concepts learned and demonstrate their understanding of the significance of each type of prayer.

Extension Activities:

1. Group Activity: Divide students into small groups and assign each group a type of prayer. Ask them to research and prepare a short presentation on their assigned type of prayer, including its definition, biblical references, and significance. This will allow them to delve deeper into the topic and foster peer learning.
2. Prayer Journaling: Encourage students to start a prayer journal where they can document their prayers, including the different types of prayer they engage in, their reflections, and answered prayers. This will help them develop a habit of incorporating different types of prayer in their personal prayer life and reflect on their spiritual journey.
3. Role Play: Divide students into pairs or small groups and assign them different scenarios where they can role play different types of prayer. For example, a scenario where someone is facing a challenging situation and needs supplication, or a scenario where someone is praying for a friend in need and engaging in intercession. This will allow students to apply the concepts of different types of prayer in a practical and interactive manner.

Conclusion:

Prayer is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, and understanding the different types of prayer can enrich one’s prayer life and deepen their relationship with God. By incorporating various types of prayer such as supplication, intercession, contemplation, praise, and dedication, believers can communicate with God in different ways, express their needs and concerns, seek His guidance, and grow spiritually. Through this comprehensive lesson plan presentation, students will gain a thorough understanding of the types of prayer and their significance in the life of a believer, and be encouraged to incorporate them in their personal prayer life for a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God