2ND TERM

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TOPIC: EFFECTIVENESS OF PRAYER
CONTENT:
1. James teaching on prayer James 1: 1-8; 4:1-3, 5: 13-20
2. Jesus taught His disciples on how to pray Matt. 6: 7-13
3. Reasons for unanswered prayer
4. Types of prayer.
SUB-TOPIC 1: JAMES TEACHING ON PRAYER JAMES 1: 1-8; 4:1-3, 5: 13-20
MEANING OF PRAYER:
Prayer is a way of communicating with God
James advised Christians to endure all trials and ask all things with faith because any person who doubts cannot receive anything. He also advised Christians to show joy in all things because whatever happens to us is meant by God to serve a purpose. For our prayers to be effective, it must be God centered, not self centered. We must have faith and also make our hearts to be in tune with God. To pray effectively, we must always sincerely confess our sins.
James advised Christians to pray whenever they are in difficulties. While praying, they must give thanks to God. When any Christian has occasion to rejoice, he should sing praisesto God. James admonishes Christians to confess their sins and pray for one another, since the serious prayer of a good man works miracles.
James presented Elijah as an example of someone with effective prayers. Elijah prayed fervently and there was no rain for about three and a half years. He prayed again, and the heaven gave the rain and the earth brought forth its fruit.
EVALUATION:
Outline the teaching of James on prayer.
SUB-TOPIC 2: JESUS TAUGHT HIS DISCIPLES ON HOW TO PRAY MATT. 6: 7-13Jesus taught his disciples that they must not be like the hypocrites who loved to stand and pray in synagogues at the street corners so that they may be seen by men. As they pray, they should avoid
repeating themselves. Christians should therefore, be open minded, having no grudges against anyone.
EVALUATION:
Briefly explain on how Jesus taught his disciples how to pray
SUB-TOPIC 3: REASONS FOR UNANSWERED PRAYER
1. Lack of faith on the part of the one praying.
2. Sin
3. Unrighteousness.
4. Ingratitude to God for previous gifts
5. Unforgiving spirit
6. A heart full of malice, hatred etc
7. Lack of persistence
8. Double mindedness
9. Not asking according to God’s will
10. Unnecessary repetitions
EVALUATION:
1. Mention five causes of unanswered to prayers
SUB-TOPIC 4: TYPES OF PRAYER.
1. Prayer of petition: It is a way of requesting things from God i.e. praying for personal needs.
2. Prayer of thanksgiving: This is thanking God for His goodness, favour and grace.
3. Prayer of confession: This is a means of exposing our sins in humility and with the conviction of not falling back to them. It is a sign of repentance.
4. Prayer of intercession: Praying on behalf of others, especially those who cannot pray for themselves.
5. Prayer of dedication: This is promising to remain truly with God.
6. Prayer of Adoration: This is a way of acknowledging God for his numerous blessings and for who He is.
EVALUATION:
1. List five types of prayer as stated by James.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT:


OBJECTIVE TEST:
1. In the epistle of James, the effectiveness of prayer depends on------- a. the number of prayers in a day b. constancy in faith. C. praying at scheduled moments. D. praying aloud repeatedly.
2. James advises anyone that is sick in the church to ----------a. call the elders for prayer b. seek medical solution. C. fast with all his might. D. undergo confirmation classes.
3. Who among these is mentioned in connection with effectiveness of prayer in James chapter 5.a. Jonah b .Elijah. C. Elisha. D. Jesus.
4. ‘Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him’
By this statement, James meant A. prayers without the elders of the church may not be effective. B. elders of the church are wonder-workers. C. the prayer of the faithful will save a sick man. D. prayers without the elders of the church may not be acceptable.
5. According to James, a man who doubt while praying is like A. a ship in the sea tossed up and down by waves. B. a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
C. breeze blowing from no direction at all. D. a dried leaf blow about by wind.
ESSAY QUESTIONS:
1. Outline the teaching of James on prayer.
2. List five types of prayer as stated by James.
GENERAL EVALUATION:
1. State four types of prayers. Identify seven obstacles to prayers according to James. (WASSCE 2001)
2. (a) What are those situations according to James that need prayers?
(b) What is the role of the church elders in prayer?
(c) Outline the role of faith in prayer.
3. Highlight James message on effective prayer. (WASSCE JUNE 2004)
4. Mention five causes of unanswered to prayers
5. Explain the meaning of prayer.
PRE- READING ASSIGNMENT:
1. Read about the teaching of James on effective prayer.
2. Read Melrose CRS for SSS 1 by L.O Udokporo et al; (page 63).
WEEKEND ACTIVITY:
1. Outline five reasons for unanswered prayer
REFERENCE TEXTS:
1. Melrose CRS for SSS 1 by L.O Udokporo et al, Melrose Books and Publishers.
2. Comprehensive CRK for SSS by Martins I. Amaechi A. Johnson Publishers Ltd
3. Senior school certificate examination past questions and answers for SSCE CRK

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