Prayer

Introduction

In the Junior School CBC (KICD), Christian Religious Education studies prayer as a way of building a relationship with God. (Other faiths follow IRE or HRE with similar themes about worship.)

What is prayer?

Prayer is communicating with God through speaking, silence, singing or listening. It shows trust that God hears and cares.

Types of prayer

• Adoration/praise: honouring God for who he is.
• Thanksgiving: thanking God for blessings.
• Confession: admitting wrongdoing and asking forgiveness.
• Petition: asking God for personal needs.
• Intercession: praying for others.

Jesus' teaching on prayer

• Pray sincerely, not to be seen by people (Matthew 6:5-6).
• Do not use empty repetition (Matthew 6:7).
• Forgive others (Matthew 6:14).
• Persist in prayer (Luke 11:5-10).
• Pray with faith (Mark 11:24).

The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

It begins by honouring God, asks for his kingdom to come, asks for daily bread, forgiveness and protection from evil. It is a model for all prayer.

Times and places of prayer

Prayer may be personal or in groups, in church, at school assembly, at home, before meals and at bedtime.

Benefits of prayer

Peace of mind, guidance in decisions, strength in hardship, and closeness to God and others.

Worked example

A learner is nervous before an exam. She prays a short petition for calmness, thanks God for her teachers, and then studies faithfully. This shows prayer combined with responsible action.

Try it

• Write one example of each type of prayer.
• Learn the Lord's Prayer by heart.
• List three occasions when your class prays.
• Explain why Jesus warned against praying to be admired.