Christian Religious Studies Paper 2 WASSCE (PC), 2017

Question 8

 

  1. JAMES’ TEACHING ON PRAYERS (JAMES 1:2-8; 5: 13-18)

Observation

 

This question was more popular among candidates. However, it was noticed that candidates gave their own interpretation and version of what they understood prayer to be as compared to how James put it. They were writing on the different types of prayers and giving the definition to what prayer means.
Most candidates answered this question in preference to question 8 because the rubric demanded that candidate should answer at least one question in Section C.  To this end, candidates performed above average in this question. Many of them could not give out the points in an articulate manner as outlined by James in the bible. Candidates were expected to list out points such as;

  1. James advised Christians to be holy because God is holy and does not tolerate sin unless it is confessed and repented of.

ii.         James says Christians should be joyful when trials come their way.
iii.        He says the testing of one’s faith leads to steadfastness, and steadfastness produces perfection.
iv.        Christians should be persistent in prayer.
v.         According to James, if anyone needs wisdom he should ask God and he would be given generously.
vi.        But petitions made to God should depend upon His will and glory/ God has the right to answer prayers.
vii.       He says faith is a necessary condition for answered prayer.
viii.      According to James if one shows doubt while praying the one is like a wave of sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
ix.        A double - minded person would not receive anything from the Lord.
x.         James holds the view that anyone who is suffering should pray and be cheerful and sing hymns.
xi.        Christians should pray with humility.
xii.       He said the sick should be prayed for by the elders after anointing him with oil in Jesus name.
xiii.      For James, the prayer of faith will easily heal the sick.
xiv.      James advocates that we confess our sins to one another and pray for one another.
xv.       He further states that the prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects.
xvi.      Finally, James makes mention of the fact that Elijah prayed that there should be no rain for three and half years and it did not rain.
xvii.     He again prayed that it should rain and it did rain.