RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual 22nd January 2023 (Lesson 21)
TOPIC: PLUGGED -IN- KNEES
OPENING PRAYER: Father, help me to understand the importance of consistent prayer life in Jesus name.
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: Teacher should allow students to review the previous week’s lesson.
MEMORY VERSE: “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” – Luke 18:1 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 22:39-46 (King James Version)
39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
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LESSON INTRODUCTION: ‘Plunged-in knees’ simply refers to a life of constant prayers. A consistent and persistent prayer life was a regular practice and more of a lifestyle by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This exercise was pressed upon us more frequently by our Saviour. Thus He encouraged His disciples to be fervent, consistent, and persevere in the place of prayer (Luke 18:1). He even propounded the parable of an unjust judge who was overcome by an unrelenting widow, to do her Justice contrary to his inclination (Luke 18:1-7).
TEXT REVIEW: LUKE 22:39-46
The scriptures narrates Jesus’ encounter with His disciples on the Mount Olives when He went to pray in preparation for the cross.
ii. When Jesus was at the place, He asked them to …….. V40
iii. Jesus withdrew and kneeled.. V41b
B. As Jesus prayed:
i. To the Father saying…. V42
ii. There appeared ….. V43
iii. Being in an agony …… V44
C. When Jesus rose up:
i. ……….. V45
ii. He said to the disciples, ….. V46.
LESSON OUTLINES
- THE NEED FOR PERSISTENT PRAYERS
- HOW TO PRAY REGULARLY
1. THE NEED FOR PERSISTENT PRAYERS
A. ‘Plunged-in’ is to engage wholeheartedly in a task or to be connected.
B. The need for ceaseless prayers is therefore emphasized in the Bible (1Thessalonians 5:17) for various reasons. Some of these are:
i. To keep the communication line between God and his children open (Psalm 55:17)
ii. To be filled with the power of the Holy Ghost and be bold (Acts 4:31)
iii. To be guided when there is a need to take a decision (Acts 1:24) or find direction (Genesis 24:12).
iv. For believers in Christ to enjoy the fullness of joy promised them by God all the time (John 16:23-24)
v. To stand though the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16) and full of sin, error, subtle heretical seducers and sharp persecutions (2Timothy 3:13-14; Matthew 24:12-13).
vi. To stay connected to their parent stock, as a branch and be fruitful (John 15:5-6)
vii. To be able to withstand and confront the forces of darkness that seek to destroy God’s children (Ephesians 6:12-13)
viii. To cast out unclean spirit (Matthew 17:19-21)
ix. For restoration (Judges 16:28) and when agonized (1Samuel 1:10).
x. To bring the flesh under (Matthew 26:41; 2Corinthians 10:3-5) and always look up unto God (Psalm 5:3).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1
Students should discuss whether it is important to pray constantly when everything seems fine.
2. HOW TO PRAY REGULARLY
We pray frequently when we:
i. Take prayer as a daily task (Psalm 5:3; 55:17).
ii. Deliberately pray in the spirit (Ephesians 6:18).
iii. Live in the reality that there is a need to pray without ceasing (Mark 14:38).
iv. Put God first on any issue by contacting him through prayers (Psalm 37:5).
v. Are actively involved in praying always (Colossians 1:9).
vi. Give ourself to prayers (Psalm 109:4).
vii. Delight in God when paying (Job 22:26-27).
viii. Pray with confidence that God hears and answer will come (1John 5:14-15).
ix. Pray everywhere (1Timothy 2:8).
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CLASS ACTIVITY 2
Are there places or situations a Christians cannot pray?
SUMMARY
The need to give ourselves to persistent prayer cannot be over emphasized.
CONCLUSION
Constant prayer is a necessity for a close walk with God.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, please give me the grace to be consistent in my prayer life.
ASSIGNMENT
Mention at least five (5) benefits you derived from prayer (No mark).
RCCG Sunday School manual is used in Sunday School Classes in the RCCG.
The RCCG Sunday school manual is written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye and is available online for easy access. See the previous RCCG Sunday school Manual for 2023 here
