JESUS TEACHES US TO PRAY

 

memory verse for this unit

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV*).

objectives of this unit

This unit will help your preadolescents:• Be strengthened in the regular practice of prayer, better understand that it is a means by which we can tell God our concerns, and be grateful for the privilege of praying on a regular, daily basis.• Know that Jesus gave us an example to help us evaluate if our petitions give glory to God or not.• Understand that God is with them when they face a hostile world, in the same way that Jesus was with his followers.• Feel confident, knowing that Jesus prayed specifically for them.

the reason we teach this unit

It is common for preadolescents to have different concepts regarding prayer. For some, it is a way of asking for things. For others, it is a cry for help in times of crisis. Throughout this unit, the preadolescents will learn that prayer is constant communication with God, which includes praise, thanks, worship, and requests. All Christians must be imitators of Christ. He gave us the example of spending time alone with the Father in prayer every day. When studying Jesus’ priestly prayer, students will feel the importance of praying for other Christians, just as they pray for their own personal needs. Teaching about prayer can never replace the practice of prayer. This unit will encourage our preadolescents to pray frequently. By experiencing communion with God, they’ll get closer to him. They’ll begin to receive answers to their prayers. In this way, their appreciation for the ability to communicate with the Creator and Sustainer, the one who made and maintains the universe, will grow.
Prayer is an essential part of discipleship. Remember that one of the core principles of discipleship is fervent prayer. In its purest form, prayer is communicating with and responding to God. Through prayer, we participate in the Holy Spirit's transforming power, both for ourselves and for our world.

* Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™