Meaning, Types and Importance of Prayer for SS 1

Prayer

Performance Objectives

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

1. explain the meaning of prayer;
2. identify types of prayer;
3. discuss Jesus and James’ teachings on prayer;
4. explain reasons for unanswered prayers.

Memory Verse

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6 KJV)

Bible Reading

The principal Bible passages supporting this lesson are:

1. Philippians 4:6
2. Psalm 95:6
3. 1 John 1:9
4. Psalm 100:4
5. Matthew 7:7
6. Matthew 6:7-13
7. James 1:1-8
8. James 4:1-3
9. James 5:12-20

Meaning of Prayer

Prayer is a direct communication between a person and God. It is a way of talking to God, expressing thoughts, feelings, desires, and needs to Him.

Prayer involves speaking to God, listening for His response, and building a personal relationship with the Creator. It is an act of faith and dependence on God, acknowledging His sovereignty and power.

The Bible encourages believers to pray without ceasing and to bring all their concerns before God. Philippians 4:6 teaches that instead of worrying, people should present their requests to God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.

Types of Prayer

Prayer takes various forms, each serving a unique purpose in a person’s relationship with God. Understanding these types helps believers to engage in a more complete and meaningful prayer life. The main types of prayer include:

1. Adoration: This type of prayer involves worshipping and praising God for who He is. It focuses on His character, His holiness, His power, His love, and His majesty, rather than on personal requests. Adoration acknowledges God’s supreme worth and glory. Psalm 95:6 encourages people to come before God with worship and to kneel before Him, their Maker.
2. Confession: Confession is the act of acknowledging and admitting sins to God. It involves expressing sorrow for wrongdoing and seeking God’s forgiveness. This type of prayer is essential for spiritual cleansing and restoring fellowship with God. 1 John 1:9 states that if people confess their sins, God is faithful and just to forgive them and cleanse them from all unrighteousness.
3. Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving is expressing gratitude to God for His blessings, His goodness, and His faithfulness. It involves acknowledging all that God has done, is doing, and will do. This type of prayer cultivates a heart of appreciation and joy. Psalm 100:4 urges people to enter God’s gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, giving thanks to Him and blessing His name.
4. Supplication: Supplication is the act of making specific requests or petitions to God. It involves asking God for personal needs, the needs of others, or for guidance and intervention in various situations. This type of prayer demonstrates dependence on God for provision and help. Matthew 7:7 encourages believers to ask, seek, and knock, promising that they will receive, find, and have doors opened to them.

Jesus’ Teachings on Prayer

Jesus taught His disciples important principles about prayer, emphasising sincerity, humility, and faith. His teachings, particularly in Matthew 6:7-13, provide a model for effective prayer:

1. Sincerity over Showmanship: Jesus warned against praying to be seen by others or using empty repetitions. He taught that true prayer is a private and sincere conversation with God, who sees in secret (Matthew 6:5-6).
2. The Lord’s Prayer: Jesus provided a model prayer, known as the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). This prayer teaches believers to:
   1. Hallow God’s name (worship and reverence).
   2. Pray for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done.
   3. Ask for daily provision.
   4. Seek forgiveness for sins and be willing to forgive others.
   5. Pray for protection from temptation and evil.
3. Persistence and Faith: In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus encouraged persistence in prayer, assuring that those who ask will receive, those who seek will find, and to those who knock, the door will be opened. This highlights the importance of faith and perseverance.

James’ Teachings on Prayer

The Apostle James also provided practical teachings on prayer, focusing on faith, right motives, and the power of righteous prayer. His teachings are found in James 1:1-8, 4:1-3, and 5:12-20:

1. Praying for Wisdom: James encouraged believers to ask God for wisdom when facing trials, assuring that God gives generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5). This prayer must be made in faith, without doubting.
2. Faith Without Doubting: James stressed that prayer must be offered with unwavering faith. A person who doubts is like a wave of the sea, tossed by the wind, and should not expect to receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-8).
3. Right Motives: James addressed the issue of unanswered prayers, stating that some prayers are not answered because they are asked with wrong motives, specifically to spend on personal pleasures (James 4:3).
4. Power of Righteous Prayer: James highlighted the effectiveness of prayer offered by a righteous person. He gave the example of Elijah, whose fervent prayer brought both drought and rain (James 5:16-18).
5. Prayer for the Sick and Sinful: James instructed believers to pray for the sick, with the anointing of oil, and for those who have sinned, promising that the prayer of faith will save the sick and the Lord will raise them up, and their sins will be forgiven (James 5:14-15).

Reasons for Unanswered Prayers

While God is always willing to hear prayers, there are biblical reasons why some prayers may not receive the desired answers. Understanding these reasons can help believers to align their prayers with God’s will and principles:

1. Wrong Motives: As taught by James, prayers made with selfish desires or to satisfy personal pleasures will not be answered. God desires that prayers align with His will and purposes, not merely with human cravings (James 4:3).
2. Lack of Faith: James also emphasised the importance of praying with faith, without doubting. A wavering faith can hinder the effectiveness of prayer, as a double-minded person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-8).
3. Unconfessed Sin: Sin creates a barrier between a person and God. If there is unconfessed sin in a person’s life, it can prevent God from hearing and answering their prayers. Confession and repentance are necessary to restore fellowship with God (Psalm 66:18).
4. Praying Outside God’s Will: God answers prayers that are in accordance with His divine will. If a prayer goes against God’s plan or purpose, it will not be granted. Believers are encouraged to seek God’s will in their prayers.
5. Empty Repetitions: Jesus warned against using “vain repetitions” or meaningless words in prayer, like the Gentiles who think they will be heard for their many words (Matthew 6:7). God values sincerity and a heartfelt connection over the length or number of words.
6. Unforgiveness: Jesus taught that if people do not forgive others, their heavenly Father will not forgive their trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15). A heart that holds unforgiveness can hinder prayer.