Partners in Prayer

David C Cook COVID-19 Response

High School

Lesson 6
Spring 2022
By: RLD Editorial Team
April 24, 2022

Lesson Focus:

We need to pray for each other.

Bible Basis:

Philippians 1:3-11

Materials Needed:

Step 1:

Internet access

Step 4:

Butcher paper (or screenshared document)
Markers
Internet access (optional)

Summary & Links:

Students will explore the power of community vs. going solo as they focus on the importance of praying for each other.

Memory Verse:

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 1:6

Students will explore the power of community vs. going solo as they focus on the importance of praying for each other.

Materials Needed:

Internet access

Request a show of hands to the following question: Do any of you like spending time alone rather than with a lot of other people? Some people are natural introverts and find pleasure in being alone. That’s how some of us are made! But when it comes to the ups and downs of life, it’s important to lean on the people around you. Our mental health can depend on it!

Share the following video with your students [5:17; stop at 2:20]:
Why Friendship Is Important To Your Mental Health | TODAY

The friends in this video described their friendships as unconditional, dynamic, and full of laughter.

Why might unconditional love be important in friendships? (Life is full of hard moments. We need community who will be with us in the good and hard.)
What would likely have happened if friends only stuck around when life was good or easy? (Even the strongest person would have failed to lift the car. It took the multiplied effect of the group to create momentum and strength.)
Describe a situation where you accomplished something with help from others that you couldn’t have accomplished alone. What is the difference between flying solo and joining with others? (Allow students to share. Responses will vary. Be prepared to share your own experience.)
How does it make you feel when you know others have your back? How does it make you feel to support someone else? (Allow students to share.)

As we grow in Jesus, we are called to work together with others and build each other up in prayer. Life happens in community, and we mature together as we encourage each other in faith. Despite the risks that come with being vulnerable to friends, the Bible instructs us to pray for each other and watch faith grow.

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:

Butcher paper (or screenshared document)
Markers
Internet access (optional)

This step will help your students identify and practice mature intercessory prayer. Place students in two groups. If you have enough adult leaders, place one in each group to help facilitate during discussion. (If your class is meeting online, use a screenshared document with two columns: FAKE and AUTHENTIC.)

Compared to previous generations, you and your friends have very little privacy. You share “secrets,” daily details, photographs, events, and big news—all from the safety of your screens. And yet praying for others can feel invasive and scary. Where does this paradox come from? How can people who are so open about their lives also lack real trust and honesty? In your groups, let’s investigate the difference between two kinds of openness: fake and authentic.

Give each group a piece of butcher paper. One of them will be the FAKE group, the other, AUTHENTIC. Instruct groups to select someone with good handwriting to record their answers. Read the following prompts to your groups, allowing enough time in between questions to share and write.

If your class is meeting online, use a screenshared document with two columns: FAKE and AUTHENTIC. Have teens take turns sharing their thoughts for each column as you read the questions. Record their answers in the appropriate columns.

Question for the FAKE group:

What are three superficial things that teenagers are quick to share with each other on social media? (Students might write words like fashion choices, jokes, selfies, activities, accomplishments, sarcasm, etc.)

Question for the AUTHENTIC group:

What are three things you might share with a trusted friend? (Students might write words like failures, depression, fear, family conflict, doubts, etc.)

When students have time to finish, encourage each group to share the words in their column. Discuss the differences you notice between the two posters.

The Body of Christ is made up of relationship layers. We’re connected not only to our closest friends and family but also the larger Church. During Paul’s imprisonment, he expressed gratitude for those who carried him in prayer outside his cell. Share with the class some of the Christians you know who are laboring far away, whether missionaries, members of the military, or family members in distant places.

Encourage students to pray this week for the people of God’s family all around the world. If your students don’t know specific Christian groups or individuals who need prayer support around the world, feel free to share this watch list from Open Door USA (or use other reputable sources you prefer):

World Watch List 2022

Close in prayer

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David C Cook COVID-19 Response

High School