Jesus Prayed to the Father for Primary 4

Jesus Prayed to the Father

Performance Objectives

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

1. explain the meaning and importance of prayer;
2. explain instances when Jesus prayed;
3. discuss reasons Jesus prayed;
4. list things to pray for.

Memory Verse

The memory verse for this lesson is from the book of Luke:

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

Bible Reading

The following Bible passages tell us about Jesus praying to the Father:

1. Luke 3:21
2. Luke 6:12
3. Luke 9:28-29
4. Luke 22:39-46
5. Luke 23:34, 46
6. Matthew 14:23
7. Matthew 26:39
8. John 11:41-42
9. John Chapter 17
10. 1 Timothy 2:8

Meaning and Importance of Prayer

Prayer is talking to God. It is a way for people to communicate with their Heavenly Father. Just as children talk to their parents, believers talk to God through prayer.

Prayer is very important because it helps people to build a strong relationship with God. It is a way to show love, trust, and dependence on God. The Bible encourages everyone to pray, as it says in 1 Timothy 2:8, “Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.”

Through prayer, people can share their joys, worries, and needs with God. It is also a time to thank God for His goodness and to ask for forgiveness when mistakes are made.

Instances When Jesus Prayed

Jesus, the Son of God, showed us a perfect example of how to pray. He prayed often and in many different situations. These instances teach believers about the importance of prayer in their lives.

After His Baptism

After Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist, He prayed. As He prayed, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit came down on Him like a dove. A voice from heaven said, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:21).

Before Choosing His Disciples

Before Jesus chose His twelve disciples, He went up on a mountain to pray. He spent the whole night praying to God. The next morning, He called His disciples and chose the twelve apostles (Luke 6:12).

On the Mount of Transfiguration

Jesus took Peter, John, and James up on a mountain to pray. As He was praying, His face changed, and His clothes became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Him (Luke 9:28-29).

After Feeding the Five Thousand

After Jesus miraculously fed five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish, He sent His disciples away in a boat. Then He went up on a mountain by Himself to pray. He stayed there praying until late in the night (Matthew 14:23).

Before Raising Lazarus

When Jesus arrived at the tomb of Lazarus, who had died, He prayed to His Father. He looked up to heaven and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me” (John 11:41-42). After this prayer, Lazarus came out of the tomb alive.

In the Garden of Gethsemane

Before Jesus was arrested and crucified, He went to the Garden of Gethsemane with His disciples to pray. He was in great distress and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). He prayed this three times, showing His submission to God’s will.

On the Cross

Even while suffering on the cross, Jesus prayed. He prayed for those who were crucifying Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Later, just before He died, He cried out, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).

The High Priestly Prayer

In John Chapter 17, Jesus prayed a long prayer for His disciples and for all future believers. He prayed for their protection, unity, and that they would be made holy. This prayer shows Jesus’ deep love and care for His followers.

Reasons Jesus Prayed

Jesus prayed for many important reasons, setting an example for all believers:

1. To Seek Guidance: Jesus prayed before making important decisions, such as choosing His twelve disciples (Luke 6:12-13). This shows that people should pray for God’s direction in their lives.
2. To Give Thanks: Jesus thanked God before performing miracles, like raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:41-42). This teaches people to always be grateful to God.
3. To Find Strength and Submit to God’s Will: In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed to find strength to face His suffering and to fully accept God’s plan, even when it was difficult (Luke 22:39-46). This teaches people to pray for strength during hard times and to trust God’s will.
4. To Intercede for Others: Jesus prayed for His disciples and for all who would believe in Him (John 17:1-26). This shows the importance of praying for family, friends, leaders, and all people.
5. To Spend Time with the Father: Jesus often went to quiet places to pray alone, like the mountain after feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14:23). This shows His desire to have close fellowship with God.

Things to Pray For

People can pray for many different things, just as Jesus did and as the Bible teaches. God wants to hear about everything that concerns His children.

Some important things to pray for include:

1. Wisdom: Asking God for understanding and good judgment in school, at home, and in making decisions.
2. Health: Praying for healing when sick and for continued good health for oneself and others.
3. Guidance: Asking God to show the right path and to help in choosing what is good and pleasing to Him.
4. Forgiveness of Sins: Confessing mistakes to God and asking for His forgiveness, and also forgiving others.
5. Provision: Praying for daily needs like food, shelter, and clothing.
6. Protection: Asking God to keep safe from harm and danger.
7. Family and Friends: Praying for the well-being and salvation of loved ones.
8. Peace: Praying for peace in the community, the nation, and the world.

How to Pray

Praying is a simple act of talking to God. There is no special way to stand or sit, but it is important to pray with a sincere heart. Here are some steps to help you pray:

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Find a Quiet Place: Try to find a place where you can be alone and focus on God, just like Jesus did.
2. Begin by Praising God: Start by telling God how wonderful He is. Thank Him for His love, power, and goodness.
3. Confess Your Sins: Tell God about any wrong things you have done and ask Him to forgive you.
4. Ask for Your Needs: Tell God what you need, like wisdom for your studies, healing for a sick friend, or protection for your family.
5. Pray for Others: Remember to pray for your parents, teachers, friends, and leaders.
6. End with Thanks: Always thank God for hearing your prayers and for all His blessings.
7. Pray in Jesus’ Name: The Bible teaches us to pray in the name of Jesus, trusting that God hears us because of Him.