Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 9
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Christian Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: Humility: Benefit of humility and Consequences of pride.
Topic: Effective Prayer
Subject Matter: Meaning of prayer, Jesus taught disciples how to pray, James’ teaching on prayer, types of prayer, reasons for unanswered prayer, composing a short prayer.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define prayer in their own words.
Identify and explain different types of prayer.
State reasons why some prayers may not be answered.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of prayer in their daily lives.
Show willingness to pray regularly and effectively.

Psychomotor Domain:

Compose a short, meaningful prayer.

Participate respectfully in group prayer.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Christian Religious Studies.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary School CRS.
Christian Religious Studies for Senior Secondary Schools 1 by J.O. Oyelami.
https://www.biblestudytools.com
https://www.openbible.info

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Picture of Jesus at prayer.
Picture of a praying monk.
Holy Bible.
Whiteboard and markers.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand what prayer is and how to pray effectively. It enables them to develop a personal relationship with God and find guidance and strength in their lives through communication with Him.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of God and have heard about prayer in their homes or places of worship.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Effective Prayer

Meaning of Prayer

Prayer is communication with God. It is talking to God, listening to God, and presenting our requests, thanks, and adoration to Him.

Jesus Taught Disciples How to Pray

Jesus taught His disciples to pray using what is known as ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4). This prayer serves as a model, emphasizing adoration, petition, confession, and surrender to God’s will.

James’ Teaching on Prayer

James emphasized the importance of prayer in faith. He taught that:

Prayer offered in faith will be answered (James 1:6-7).
Effective prayer must be from a righteous person (James 5:16).
Asking with wrong motives will lead to unanswered prayer (James 4:3).

Types of Prayer

The following are common types of prayer:

Adoration: Worshipping and praising God for who He is.
Confession: Admitting sins and asking for forgiveness.
Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude to God for His blessings.
Supplication/Petition: Making specific requests to God for ourselves or others.
Intercession: Praying on behalf of others.

Reasons for Unanswered Prayer

The Bible identifies several reasons why prayers may not be answered:

Unconfessed Sin: Sin creates a barrier between God and man (Isaiah 59:1-2).
Asking with Wrong Motives: Praying for selfish desires (James 4:3).
Lack of Faith: Doubting God’s ability or willingness to answer (James 1:6-7).
Disobedience: Ignoring God’s commands (Proverbs 28:9).
Unforgiveness: Holding grudges against others (Mark 11:25-26).
Idolatry: Worshipping other gods or things (Jeremiah 11:11).

Composing a Short Prayer

A short prayer should include elements like addressing God, expressing thanks, confessing wrongs, and making a request, concluding in Jesus’ name.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they understand by “communication”. After receiving responses, the teacher links communication to talking with God, which is prayer. The teacher then introduces the topic: Effective Prayer.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of prayer as communication with God.

Step 2: Meaning of Prayer

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to define prayer in their own words. After listening to their responses, the teacher provides a clear definition of prayer and writes it on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils offer their definitions of prayer and copy the correct definition from the board.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of prayer.

Step 3: Jesus and James on Prayer

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Exposition/Biblical Reference
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to read Matthew 6:9-13 (The Lord’s Prayer) and James 1:6-7, 4:3, 5:16. The teacher explains what Jesus taught about prayer and what James emphasized regarding faith and motives in prayer.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the Bible passages and listen to the teacher’s explanations, asking questions for clarity.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about biblical teachings on prayer from Jesus and James.

Step 4: Types of Prayer

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Classification/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and lists the different types of prayer (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication, intercession) with brief examples for each. The teacher writes these on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for better understanding.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and explain various types of prayer.

Step 5: Reasons for Unanswered Prayer

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Problem-solving
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses common biblical reasons why prayers may not be answered, such as unconfessed sin, wrong motives, or lack of faith, citing relevant scriptures where possible. These points are written on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and note down the reasons for unanswered prayers.
Learning Point: Pupils understand factors that can hinder effective prayer.

Step 6: Composing a Short Prayer

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application/Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to compose a short prayer, encouraging them to include elements like adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and a specific request. The teacher can provide a simple template or prompt.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils individually or in small groups compose a short prayer.
Learning Point: Pupils practice composing a prayer incorporating learned elements.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define prayer in your own words.
Mention three types of prayer.
State two reasons why some prayers may not be answered.
Compose a short prayer of thanksgiving.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of regular and effective prayer in a Christian’s life. The teacher gives pupils an assignment to pray for a specific need daily for the next week.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the assignment.
Learning Point: The lesson is reinforced, and pupils are encouraged to apply what they have learned.

Lesson Keywords

Prayer – Communication with God.
Adoration – Worshipping and praising God.
Confession – Admitting sins to God.
Thanksgiving – Expressing gratitude to God.
Supplication – Making requests to God.
Intercession – Praying on behalf of others.
Faith – Trusting in God’s power and willingness to act.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to find additional biblical examples of different types of prayer. For pupils needing more support, the teacher can provide a fill-in-the-blanks template for composing a prayer or allow them to work in pairs.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure they are familiar with the biblical references cited and be prepared to explain them clearly. Encourage an open and respectful classroom environment where pupils feel comfortable discussing their understanding of prayer.