Lesson Note on CRS for SS1 Third term
WEEK TWO:
TOPIC: JAMES TEACHING ON PRAYER
James was a servant of God who wrote letters to the twelve tribes who are scattered across the world. He taught comprehensively on prayer and encourages fruitful prayers among Christians.
He started by saying in James 1:5-6, that anyone who lacks wisdom should ask from God who gives liberally. He stated however that if anyone is asking, that is praying to God, he must do it in faith because without faith, no one can receive anything from God. He said that a person without faith is unstable in all his ways. James 1:7-8
In James 4:1-3, James emphasizes the need to know how and what to pray for. He stated that the reason why we don’t get answers to prayers is that we ask wrongly because we want to consume it on our lust. This underscores selfishness. He encourages us to seek God’s will and to be considerate about others when we pray.
In James 5:13-15, he stated that those who are afflicted should pray to God while those who are happy should sing to him. However those who are sick should go to the elders of the church to pray for him and anoint him with oil. This underscores four types of prayers which are supplication, adoration, thanksgiving and intercession.
In James 5:16, he emphasizes that these prayers must be done in faith. He stated we should confess our sins and pray for one another. He also emphasizes fervency in prayers. He uses Elijah as an example of praying with fervency who prayed for rain not to fall for three and a half year and he prayed again and rain fell. James 5: 17-18.
James encouraged Christians to take their prayer life serious because it is our direct passport to God.
Examine James’ teaching on Prayer:
Focus: Meaning of Prayer
Reasons why prayers are not answered
How we pray – Elijah’s prayer
Why we should pray:
1.Prayer for Wisdom,
2.Pray if afflicted,
3.Sing when happy and
4. Prayer for the sick
Unprecedented 