GRADE 8 CRE TEACHINGS OF JESUS CHRIST β TEACHING ON PRAYER Notes
TEACHINGS ON PRAYER
Topic: Teachings of Jesus Christ β CRE (age 13, Kenya)
π Prayer is talking to God. Jesus taught his friends how to pray in a way that is honest, simple and full of faith.
Key Bible Passages
- Matthew 6:5-15 (Jesus warns against showy prayers; gives the Lord's Prayer)
- Luke 11:1-4 (Lord's Prayer also given)
- Matthew 7:7-8 (Ask, seek, knock)
- Luke 18:1-8 (Parable of the persistent widow β keep praying)
What Jesus Taught About Prayer (simple points)
- Pray in secret: Don't show off. Jesus said pray quietly to your Father (Matthew 6:6).
- Be sincere: God hears honest hearts, not long clever words.
- Forgive others: Forgiving is important when we pray (Matthew 6:14-15).
- Keep asking: Pray persistently and trust God (Luke 18:1).
- Trust God: Jesus teaches us to have faith when we pray (Matthew 7:7).
The Lord's Prayer (Easy to learn)
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Baba yetu uliye mbinguni, jina lako litukuzwe.
Ufalme wako uje. Mapenzi yako yatimizwe hapa duniani kama mbinguni.
Utupatie leo mkate wetu wa kila siku.
Utusamehe makosa yetu, kama sisi tunawatosha waliotukosea.
Usitutie majaribuni, lakini utuokoe na yule mwovu. Amina.
How to Pray β Simple Steps
- Find a quiet place β at home, in church, or a quiet corner at school.
- Start by praising God β say thank you for who He is.
- Say sorry β confess things you did wrong and ask for help to change.
- Ask what you need β for yourself and for others (friends, family, teachers, nation).
- Listen β be quiet and think, God may speak through thoughts or peace in your heart.
- End with βIn Jesus' name, Amen.β
Types of Prayer (with Kenyan examples)
- Adoration: Praising God. Example: Singing at Sunday service in church.
- Confession: Saying sorry. Example: Telling God you cheated in a test and asking for help to do right.
- Thanksgiving: Saying thank you. Example: Thanking God for rain after a dry spell.
- Petition: Asking for personal needs. Example: Praying for success in exams.
- Intercession: Praying for others. Example: Praying for a sick neighbour or for peace during election time.
Warnings Jesus Gave
- Don't pray to show off or to be praised by people.
- Don't say the same long words just to be heard β God knows what you need.
- Forgive others β holding grudges affects your prayers.
Class Activities (easy & fun)
- Role play: Two pairs practise a short private prayer and a public (showy) prayer. Discuss differences.
- Memorise the Lord's Prayer in English or Swahili β practise in groups.
- Write a short prayer for the school or community (one paragraph).
- Keep a simple prayer journal for one week β write one short prayer each day and one answer if it comes.
Questions for Discussion / Homework
- Why did Jesus tell people to pray in secret?
- What are three things you should do when you pray? Give examples.
- How can praying help our school or community?
Short Quiz (write answers)
- True or False: Jesus liked long public prayers that make people notice you. (Answer: False)
- Write one sentence about the meaning of "Our Father" in the Lord's Prayer.
- Give one Bible verse where Jesus says to keep asking. (Hint: Matthew 7:7)
Try to say it three times today.
- Time: 35β45 minutes. Use a Bible and a board.
- Assessment: Observe role play and collect one written prayer from each student.
- Resources: Bible (English/Swahili), notebook for prayer journal.
Summary:
Jesus taught that prayer is a personal talk with God. Be sincere, forgive others, pray simply and keep asking with faith. Use the Lord's Prayer as a guide.
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