WAEC Christian Religious Studies (CRS) 2020 Theory — Question 9

Model answer

(a) Peter's expectations of the people described above (1 Peter 2:9 and surrounding text): He compared anyone who doubts with the wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James argued that any petition made to God must be backed by faith made in faith without doubting, for the doubter will receive nothing. James revealed that God is glorified when people pray for the right things; prayer should be made in accordance with the will of God. James urged Christians to exercise patience when they pray for God's will to be done. Furthermore, prayers must be made in humility to be effective. James also remarked that Christians must pray persistently till their prayers are answered. According to James, the fervent prayer of the righteous has great effect. He gave an example of Elijah who prayed fervently for no rain and there was no rain for three years. Elijah prayed again and it rained. James again said that if anyone was cheerful, he should sing hymns of praise. He further taught that if anyone was sick, the elders of the church should be invited to pray for the person, and the prayer of faith would heal the sick. (b) Three factors that prevent Christians from doing the will of God: Intolerance/ignorance/impatience; Discrimination/favouritism/unfairness; Egocentrism.