God Answers Prayer

David C Cook COVID-19 Response

High School

Lesson 8
Summer 2022
By: RLD Editorial Team
July 24, 2022

Lesson Focus:

Accept God’s answers to prayer.

Bible Basis:

2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Philippians 1:12-19

Materials Needed:

Step 1:

Internet access

Step 4:

Paper
Pens/pencils

Summary & Links:

After watching a video about recent wildfires, students will reflect on God’s answer to our prayers when it may not be the answer we expect or desire.

Memory Verse:

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
—1 Thessalonians 5:18

After watching a video about recent wildfires, students will reflect on God’s answer to our prayers when it may not be the answer we expect or desire.

Materials Needed:

Internet access

NOTE: This lesson contains material and visual accounts that may be difficult for those who have experienced similar events first hand in your area. As the teacher, you will know best how to handle this sensitive situation.

Uncontrolled wildfires can quickly burn out of control, destroying land, homes, and crops in a short amount of time. With many areas of the country experiencing drought and dry conditions, they are inxreasingly susceptiblef for wildfires to occur. In the past year, many states have experienced devastation and destruction caused by wildfires.

Life can be filled with hardship and difficulty. God does not promise us an easy path, nor does He always answer prayer the way we hope He will. It can be a challenge to stay encouraged and trust God when the troubles and pains of life seem overwhelming and He seems to be silent. And it is even more difficult to see a purpose in it all. As you watch this video, consider what the people in the midst of these wildfires may have been asking God.

Share this video with your students [:43]:
Planned burn by US Forest Service caused largest wildfire in New Mexico history

What do you think the people in New Mexico were praying for during the wildfire? (Answers will vary but might include: that the fire would not reach their homes; that their families would be safe, etc.)
Why do you think that God did not respond the way some of them had hoped—by stopping the fire immediately? (Answers will vary—accept all reasonable answers, but reserve possible biblical answers for Step 2 lesson material.)
Have you ever gone through a difficult time and committed it to prayer, but it did not seem as if God was listening? Tell us about it. (Answers will vary. As students share, acknowledge how difficult that must have been, but do not offer theological answers.)
Can you share about a time when you received an answer to your prayers but it was not what you had hoped? (Answers will vary; be prepared to share your own experience.)

Even when God seems to be silent, we can rely on the fact that He hears our prayers during difficult circumstances. Let’s find out more about what happens when we pray.

Looking for Steps 2 & 3?

You can find Steps 2 and 3 in your teacher’s guide. To purchase a teacher’s guide, please visit: Bible-in-Life or Echoes.

Materials Needed:

Paper
Pens/pencils

If your class is meeting online, invite students to bring paper and pens/pencils with them to class.

Waiting on God to answer our prayers can be difficult. But we have learned that Paul teaches us to be thankful in all things. Sometimes this means we must remain faithful during times when He asks us to wait on His timing and at other times when He tells us no because He has something better in mind for His kingdom. In light of what we’ve learned about God’s answers to prayer, think about a time when it felt as if God did not hear your prayer as we do this activity together.

Hand out paper and pens/pencils to your students (or invite students to have those items ready at home). Ask them to think about a time when it seemed that God did not hear their prayers. Have them write down the occasion and take time to remember how they felt during that difficult time.

Next, ask your students to turn their papers over and write a letter to God about how it made them feel when it seemed as if He did not hear their prayer. Encourage them to read the letter to God throughout the rest of the week and spend time listening for Him to share how He was ministering to them and for them during that time even if they couldn’t see it. Encourage them to jot down things He impresses on their hearts—things He spared them from, things to be thankful for, what they learned about trusting Him in the process, etc.

Close in prayer. Ask God to reveal to the students what He was trying to teach them when it seemed like He was silent or did not answer their prayers how they wanted Him to. Ask God to show them this week how to accept His answer to prayers even when it isn’t the answer they are hoping for.

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David C Cook COVID-19 Response

High School