Prayer Guide

UNIT 2: PRAYER

Lesson 1 – Personal Prayer (Mt 18:19-20)

What is Prayer?

Prayer is a way of talking to God and listening to Him. God desires communication with us through prayer.

When Should We Pray?

Anytime, anywhere, even quietly in your heart.
Privately, especially while reading the Bible.
Together with other Christians during prayer gatherings.

Why Should We Pray?

For guidance.
For protection.
To praise God.

How Should We Pray?

Privately.
In community gatherings.
Through actions, such as helping those in need.

Methods of Prayer:

Worship and Thanksgiving: Praising and thanking God.
Confession: Admitting wrongs and seeking forgiveness.
Intercession: Praying for others, like the sick and poor.
Personal Requests: Praying for personal needs.
Thanksgiving: Giving thanks for answered prayers.

Lesson 2 – Christ’s Pattern of Prayer

Jesus’ Example of Private Prayer

After baptism (Lk 3:21).
After healing (Lk 4:42).
Before choosing apostles (Lk 6:12).
Before facing suffering (Lk 22:40-45).

The Lord's Pattern Prayer (Lk 11:1-4)

Addressing God as “Father” (Aramaic “Abba”)—a familiar, loving term.
Honoring God’s name with reverence.
Asking for God’s Kingdom to come, seeking God’s will to influence all.
Requesting daily needs from God.
Seeking forgiveness and being forgiving to others.
Asking for protection from overwhelming temptation.

Lesson 3 – Christian Attitudes to Prayer

Perseverance and Faith in Prayer

The Friend at Midnight (Lk 11:5-13)

A man persistently asks a friend for food late at night. This story teaches that God, like a caring father, will provide for our needs.

The Widow and the Judge (Lk 18:1-8)

An unjust judge eventually grants a widow justice because of her persistence. God, however, is compassionate and helps those who rely on Him.

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Lk 18:9-14)

The tax collector humbly asks for mercy, while the Pharisee prays pridefully. This parable emphasizes humility and sincerity in prayer.

Lesson 4 – How God Answers Prayer

Believe in an answer—it may not come immediately or as expected.
Pray in Jesus’ name—He provides the authority to approach God.
Pray according to God’s will—answers may involve waiting or a “yes” or “no.”
Live obediently—obedience aligns us with God’s will and enables prayer.

Lesson 5 – Prayer in the Four Religious Traditions

Zambian Traditional Religion: Prayers are often conducted at altars with sacrifices for various needs. Community prayers are more common than personal prayers, with ancestors acting as mediators to the Supreme Being.
Islam: Prayer is central in Islam and one of the Five Pillars. Muslims pray facing Mecca, five times a day, including a communal Friday noon prayer at the mosque.
Hinduism: Prayer is varied, often involving the worship of different gods, with chanting of mantras. Individual prayer is emphasized over congregational worship.
Christianity: Emphasizes sincere and simple prayer, following Jesus’ example. Jesus’ sacrifice allows Christians to approach God directly.