WAEC Christian Religious Studies (CRS) 2020 Theory — Question 4

Model answer

(a) Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple (1 Kings 8:1-54): After the completion of the temple, Solomon assembled all the elders and heads of the tribes for the dedication of the temple. He had the ark of the LORD brought from Zion and placed within the wings of the cherubim situated at the most holy place of the temple. Standing before the altar of the LORD in front of the assembly with hands raised towards the heavens, Solomon acknowledged the supremacy of God and His faithfulness to His promise to David. Solomon urged the LORD to keep the promise he made with David that there will always be a man to sit before Him on the throne of Israel so long as his children are obedient to the LORD. Solomon requested of the LORD to open His eyes towards the temple day and night so that He would hear the prayer of his servant. "When thy people Israel are defeated before the enemy because they have sinned against thee, if they turn again to thee, and acknowledge thy name, and pray and make supplication to thee in this house, then hear thou from heaven and forgive the sin of thy people Israel and bring them again to the land which thou gavest to their fathers." If there is a drought or famine due to sin of our people and they come to you in supplication in the name of you or in your people Israel, forgive the sin of thy people and give them rain which you have given to your people as an inheritance. In times of disaster or disease when your people pray with their hands raised towards this temple, forgive and deliver them. When a foreigner comes to pray towards this temple, grant his request that all the people of the earth will know you. Take away all their woes at the temple. Even when Israel is taken into captivity due to your anger and pray unto you for forgiveness in the land of their captivity, hear their calls. (b) Three ways elders can use resources to advance the society: Producing social amenities; Avoiding corruption; Equitable distribution of resources; Education and training for all; Avoiding unnecessary war or conflict; Investing in projects and take into consideration generations yet unborn; Protection of women and children lives; Ensuring religious peace.