Types of Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer – Basic 1 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

A personal prayer is a prayer you make up yourself, from your heart. Jesus also taught His disciples a special prayer, the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). This note gives examples of personal prayers, explains each line of the Lord’s Prayer, and lists the importance, the seven types and tips for effective prayer.

Behavioural objectives

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

• give examples of personal prayers
• say the Lord’s Prayer and explain the meaning of each line
• state reasons why prayer is important
• name the seven types of prayer and give an example of each
• list tips for effective prayer

What are examples of personal prayers?

Personal prayers are prayers you make up yourself, from your heart.

1. Morning prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for waking me up this morning.
Thank you for my life and health.
Please guide me today.
Help me to be good in school.
Protect me from danger.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

2. Prayer for family

“Dear God,
I pray for my family today.
Bless my daddy and mummy.
Keep them safe and healthy.
Bless my brothers and sisters.
Help us to love each other.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

3. Prayer before school

“Dear Lord,
I’m going to school today.
Help me to learn well.
Give me wisdom to understand.
Help me to be kind to my friends.
Let me obey my teachers.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

4. Prayer for friends

“Dear God,
Thank you for my friends.
Bless them and their families.
Help us to be good friends.
Let us play together nicely.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

5. Prayer when scared

“Dear God,
I am feeling scared right now.
Please be with me.
Protect me from harm.
Give me courage and peace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

What is the Lord’s Prayer?

Jesus taught His disciples this special prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom,
And the power, and the glory,
Forever and ever.
Amen.

What does the Lord’s Prayer mean? (Simple version)

Line 1: “Our Father in heaven”

• God is our loving Father
• He lives in heaven
• We are His children

Line 2: “Hallowed be Your name”

• Your name is holy and special
• We honour and respect Your name
• Your name is wonderful

Line 3: “Your kingdom come”

• Let Your kingdom come to earth
• We want You to rule in our lives
• Let Your will be done

Line 4: “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”

• Whatever You want, let it happen
• On earth, just like in heaven
• We want to obey You

Line 5: “Give us this day our daily bread”

• Please give us food today
• Provide for our daily needs
• We depend on You

Line 6: “Forgive us our debts (sins)”

• Forgive us when we do wrong
• Wash away our sins
• We are sorry

Line 7: “As we forgive our debtors (those who wrong us)”

• Just as we forgive others
• Help us to forgive people who hurt us
• We won’t hold grudges

Line 8: “Lead us not into temptation”

• Don’t let us fall into sin
• Protect us from bad things
• Keep us on the right path

Line 9: “But deliver us from evil”

• Save us from the devil
• Protect us from harm
• Rescue us from danger

Line 10: “For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory”

• Everything belongs to You
• You are powerful
• We give You all the glory

Line 11: “Forever and ever. Amen”

• Always and always
• Without end
• So be it!

How do we practise the Lord’s Prayer?

Say it together slowly, line by line:

• Our Father in heaven…
• Hallowed be Your name…
• Your kingdom come…
• (Continue)

Why is prayer important?

1. Prayer connects us to God
   • It’s our lifeline to heaven
   • We stay connected to our Father
2. Prayer gives us peace
   • When we’re worried, prayer calms us
   • God’s peace fills our hearts
3. Prayer provides direction
   • When we don’t know what to do
   • God guides us through prayer
4. Prayer releases God’s power
   • Miracles happen through prayer
   • God works when we pray
5. Prayer changes us
   • Prayer makes us better people
   • We become more like Jesus
6. Prayer builds our faith
   • The more we pray, the more we trust God
   • Our faith grows stronger
7. Prayer protects us
   • Prayer is our spiritual armour
   • It keeps us safe from evil
8. Prayer brings answered petitions
   • God answers our requests
   • He provides what we need
9. Prayer brings us joy
   • Spending time with God makes us happy
   • Prayer fills us with joy
10. Prayer pleases God
    • God loves when we pray
    • It makes Him happy

What are the types of prayer?

What are the tips for effective prayer?

1. Be honest
   • Tell God how you really feel
   • Don’t pretend
2. Be specific
   • Don’t just say “bless everyone”
   • Name specific people and needs
3. Have faith
   • Believe God will answer
   • Trust in Him
4. Be persistent
   • Keep praying
   • Don’t give up
5. Pray in Jesus’ name
   • Always end “in Jesus’ name”
   • We come to God through Jesus
6. Forgive others
   • Before praying, forgive anyone who hurt you
   • God wants us to forgive
7. Be sincere
   • Mean what you say
   • Pray from your heart

What is the prayer challenge?

This week:

• Memorise the Lord’s Prayer
• Pray it every day
• Teach it to someone else
• Make up your own prayers too

Remember: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective!” (James 5:16)

Evaluation

1. The Lord’s Prayer starts with “Our _____ in heaven.”
   • a) Mother
   • b) Father
   • c) Friend
2. Prayer of thanksgiving is for _____ God.
   • a) asking
   • b) thanking
   • c) praising only
3. We should pray in _____ name.
   • a) our own
   • b) Jesus’
   • c) angel’s
4. “Hallowed be Your name” means God’s name is _____.
   • a) common
   • b) holy
   • c) regular
5. Prayer of intercession is praying for _____.
   • a) ourselves only
   • b) others
   • c) no one

Assignment

1. Memorise the Lord’s Prayer completely.
2. Recite it to your parents.
3. Make up your own prayer and write it down.
4. Pray for 5 different people this week.