WAEC Christian Religious Studies (CRS) 2021 Theory — Question 9

Model answer

(a) Necessary conditions under which a Christian's prayer can be answered (James 1:2-8; 5:13-18): James advised Christians to be joyful when they face trials. He holds the view that trials are meant to test one's faith, and when faith is tested it produces steadfastness/endurance. He further said that steadfastness should have its full effect in believers' lives so that they may be perfect and lack nothing. According to James, if anyone lacks wisdom, he should pray to God who gives generously without reproach, but he must ask in faith without doubting, for the doubter will receive nothing, comparing such a person to a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. James argued that any petition made to God must be backed by belief that God will grant the request. He taught that prayer must be made in accordance with the will of God, and in humility, to be effective. James urged Christians to exercise patience while they pray for God's will to be done, and to pray persistently until their prayers are answered. He also said Christians must repent of their sins and confess them to one another, for God is holy and does not tolerate sin. He gave the example of Elijah, who prayed fervently that it would not rain, and there was no rain for three years; he prayed again and it rained. (b) Types of Christian prayers: i. Prayer of adoration. ii. Intercessory prayer. iii. Prayer of supplication/petition. (Also: prayer of dedication, prayer of confession/forgiveness, prayer of thanksgiving, liturgical prayer, meditation/contemplation.)