Week one
Lesson Note on CRS SS1 THIRD TERM
LESSON NOTE FOR CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES
S.S.ONE
THIRD TERM
WEEK ONE:
TOPIC: Prayer
MEANING OF PRAYER:
Prayer is the means of communication between man and God. Man requires the need to talk to God especially concerning his needs, his fears and in his troubles or confusion. All these needs make man seek the face of God.
REASONS WHY PRAYERS ARE NOT ANSWERED
In Malachi 2:13, the Bible records that God pays no attention to the prayers of men. Also in Proverbs 1:24 – 25, the Bible gave reasons why God refuses to answer the prayers of man. The reasons why God refuses to answer the prayers of man are not farfetched. The reasons include the following:
(a) Disobedience: Proverbs 1:29 – 31, states that the reason why God turns away from man’s prayer is because of his disobedience. See also Proverbs 28:9
(b) Lack Of Faith: James 1:6 – 7, states that a man who prays without faith cannot receive anything from God. Also James 5:15, says it is the prayer of faith that can save the sick.
(c) Asking Wrongly: Most people pray to God to satisfy their selfish desires. The Bible states in James 4:3, that such prayers will not be answered
(d) Sin (Iniquity): In James 5:15 – 16, the Bible states that if one prays with faith, his sins will be forgiven and his prayers may be answered. Psalm 66:18 also states that if I hide iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.
(e) Lack of Fervency (laziness in prayer): The Bible states in John 4:24, that God seeks those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. This underscores serious worshippers. In James 5:16 – 17, the Bible emphasizes the need for fervent prayers.
(f) Lack Of Consistence: Jesus gave a parable about a woman who was consistence in her prayers in Luke 18:1-8. With this, He teaches that one must be consistent in prayers.
(g) Not Forgiving Others: Not forgiving others can also be a hindrance to answered prayers. The parable of the unforgiving steward in Matthew 18:23-35 emphasizes this. If we forgive others, God will forgive us and answer our prayers.
TYPES OF PRAYERS
There are many types of Prayers and these include:
1. Prayer of Adoration (Praising God)
2. Prayer of Supplication (Petition) – asking God concerning our needs
3. Prayer of Intercession (Praying for others)
4. Prayer of Thanksgiving (Thanking God for what He has done)
5. Prayer of Dedication (Renewing our commitment to God)
6. Prayer of Confession (Confessing our sins to God)
THE LORD’S PRAYER
In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus taught His disciples to pray in this manner:
9 Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name (Prayer of Adoration)
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Prayer of Dedication)
11 Give us this day our daily bread (Prayer of Supplication – Petition)
12 And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. (Confessional Prayer)
13 Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: (Petition)
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever Amen. (Prayer of Adoration)
Unprecedented 