Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary School 1

SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE

CLASS:  SS 1

DATE:

TERM: 3rd TERM

REFERENCES

1.  Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS1-3 by Martins I Amaechi
2.  Essential Christian Religious Knowledge for SS1-3 by Edmond Ugochukwu
3.  RSV Bible (compulsory)
4.  WAEC Pack

 
WEEK TWO

TOPIC: EFFECTIVE PRAYERS

CONTENT

1. What is effective prayer?
2. Conditions for effective prayers

WHAT IS EFFECTIVE PRAYER?

Effective prayer is that prayer that is result oriented, the person praying must pray without doubting the reality of God, his willingness as well as his ability to answer prayer. James compares such a doubting Thomas to a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. Faith is therefore a necessary condition for effective prayers. A doubtful mind will not receive anything from God.

EVALUATION

1. Define effective prayer
2. What situations to James could necessitate prayers?

CONDITIONS FOR EFFECTIVE PRAYER

Faith in God is very paramount for any prayer to be answered. This faith must be in God and not in prayer only. Another necessary condition is that prayer should spring from the right motive. James says some people pray and do not receive because they ask wrongly. One must therefore ask what he really needs not asking out of selfishness or simply to satisfy an ego or passion.

The other important condition is that we should confess our sins before praying. This is because sin hinders prayer. We should confess first to God and then to each other for our prayers to be effective. The prayer of a sinner is an abomination to God.

Effective prayer must not be an attempt to impress other people. That is why James emphasied praying in one’s closet.  Prayer is not effective when we try to impress others because before we ask God knows our needs and we are the object of his goodwill.

Other things that can hinder prayers are:

1. Ingratitude to God for previous gifts 
2. Not forgiving others – hearts fullof malice, hatred, Jealousy etc
3. Tautology in prayer (unnecessary repetition)
4. Not being persistent enough in prayer

EVALUATION

1. Outline the teaching of James in prayer
2. Mention any four factors that may hinder the effective of prayer

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. What is effective prayer?
2. State the conditions for effective prayer
3. State the hindrances to prayer and explain them 

READING ASSIGNMENT

Comprehensive Christian religious knowledge for SS1-3 by Martins I Amaechi pages 276-278

RSV Bible Read James 5;13-18

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1.  What is prayer?  (a) communication between God and man (b) communion between God and man (c) all of the above (d) none of the above
2.  --- is an hindrance to prayer( a) sin (b) standing up to pray (c) wrong motive (d) Ignorance
3.  The type of prayer where the petitioner makes request  for others alone is known as --- (a) prayerof petition (b) prayer of confession (c) intercessory prayer (d) dedication
4. Why should a Christian pray (a) to fulfil all righteousness (b) to receive victory (c) to overcome Satan ,sin and sickness (d) to fight satan
5.  All these people prayed except ---(a) Moses (b) Daniel (c) Satan (d) Job

THEORY

1. What is prayer?
2. Mention three hindrances to prayer.