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GCSE · Christianity

RS.CP3 The Nature and Significance of Prayer

AQA 8062 · Calculators not allowed · about 42 minutes

Total Marks

Name: _______________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______

Answer ALL questions. Show all your working.

This question checks key vocabulary used in Christian teaching about prayer.

(a)State what is meant by prayer.(1)

(b)State what is meant by a set prayer.(1)

(c)State what is meant by informal (extempore) prayer.(1)

(d)Name the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to say.(1)

(e)State what is meant by intercession, in the context of prayer.(1)

(Total for Question 1 is 5 marks)

Explain two features of the Lord's Prayer. Refer to scripture in your answer.

(Total for Question 2 is 4 marks)

Explain two reasons why some Christians value set prayers.

(Total for Question 3 is 4 marks)

Explain two contrasting Christian beliefs about the value of informal prayer compared with set prayer. Refer to a source of wisdom and authority in your answer.

(Total for Question 4 is 5 marks)

Give three types of prayer, other than the Lord's Prayer.

(Total for Question 5 is 3 marks)

Explain the importance of prayer for Christians today.

(Total for Question 6 is 6 marks)

Explain two ways prayer might affect the daily life of a Christian believer.

(Total for Question 7 is 4 marks)

State two features of a typical act of private prayer, and for each briefly explain its purpose.

(Total for Question 8 is 4 marks)

Give three occasions on which Christians might pray together as a group.

(Total for Question 9 is 3 marks)

Mark scheme · RS.CP3 The Nature and Significance of Prayer

Question 1

(a) B1 an attempt to communicate with God, often through words or silence, oe
(a) Answer: An attempt to communicate with God, often through words or silence.
(b) B1 a prayer with fixed, prewritten words, often said by a group together, oe
(b) Answer: A prayer with fixed, prewritten words, often said by a group together.
(c) B1 prayer spoken spontaneously, in a person's own words, without a fixed text, oe
(c) Answer: Prayer spoken spontaneously, in a person's own words, without a fixed text.
(d) B1 the Lord's Prayer (Our Father), oe
(d) Answer: The Lord's Prayer (Our Father).
(e) B1 praying on behalf of other people, oe
(e) Answer: Praying on behalf of other people.

Question 2

B1 point 1: it begins by addressing God as Father and asking that his name be honoured, showing reverence for God, oe
B1 development: Matthew 6:9, 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name', oe
B1 point 2: it includes a request for forgiveness that is linked to a Christian's own willingness to forgive others, oe
B1 development: Matthew 6:12, 'forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors', oe
Answer: E.g. addressing God as Father with reverence (Matthew 6:9); forgiveness linked to forgiving others (Matthew 6:12).

Question 3

B1 point 1: set prayers can be said together by a whole congregation, creating a sense of unity, oe
B1 development: e.g. reciting the Lord's Prayer together in a church service, oe
B1 point 2: set prayers provide well-chosen words for occasions when a person finds it difficult to know what to say themselves, oe
B1 development: e.g. using a written prayer of confession or a grace before a meal, oe
Answer: E.g. unity through shared congregational prayer; well-chosen words for difficult occasions.

Question 4

B1 belief 1: some Christians believe informal prayer is more valuable because it allows a person to speak to God honestly and personally, in their own words, oe
B1 development: based on Philippians 4:6, which encourages Christians to 'present your requests to God' in all circumstances, without specifying set words, oe
B1 belief 2: other Christians believe set prayer is equally or more valuable because it unites the whole church in shared, carefully chosen words, oe
B1 development: based on Jesus's own example in Matthew 6:9-13, where he gives his disciples set words to pray, 'This, then, is how you should pray', oe
B1 reference to a source of wisdom and authority made accurately, oe
Answer: Contrast: informal prayer valued as honest and personal (Philippians 4:6) vs set prayer valued as unifying (Matthew 6:9-13).

Question 5

B1 adoration/praise, oe
B1 confession, oe
B1 thanksgiving (or supplication/petition, or intercession), oe
Answer: Any three: adoration/praise; confession; thanksgiving; supplication/petition; intercession.

Question 6

Level 3 (5-6): A detailed, well-organised answer that explains several reasons for the importance of prayer, supported by accurate reference to Christian teaching and/or scripture, with clear links made between the reasons given.
Level 2 (3-4): An answer that explains some reasons for the importance of prayer, with some relevant supporting detail, though links between points may be limited.
Level 1 (1-2): One or two isolated relevant points are made about prayer, with little supporting detail or explanation.
Level 0 (0): No relevant content.
Indicative content:
- Obedience to Jesus's own teaching and example of prayer, e.g. the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).
- A means of building and maintaining a personal relationship with God.
- A way of seeking forgiveness and expressing repentance for sin.
- A source of comfort, guidance and strength in difficult times.
- An act of thanksgiving and praise, expressing gratitude for God's blessings.
- For many Christians it is practised daily, making it a regular, central part of their faith.

Question 7

B1 point 1: they might set aside a regular time each day for private prayer, e.g. morning or evening, oe
B1 development: shaping their day around their faith and giving them a sense of peace or guidance, oe
B1 point 2: they might pray for other people (intercession) as an act of care and compassion, oe
B1 development: e.g. praying for those who are sick or in need, which may also encourage them to act practically to help others, oe
Answer: E.g. a regular daily time of prayer giving guidance and peace; praying for others (intercession) as an act of compassion.

Question 8

B1 feature 1: a quiet place, oe
B1 meaning 1: helps a person focus and avoid distraction, oe
B1 feature 2: a particular posture, e.g. kneeling or closing the eyes, oe
B1 meaning 2: shows reverence and helps concentration, oe
Answer: E.g. a quiet place (helps focus); a particular posture such as kneeling (shows reverence, aids concentration).

Question 9

B1 during a church service, oe
B1 at a prayer meeting or Bible study group, oe
B1 grace before a shared meal (or at a wedding, funeral or baptism service), oe
Answer: Any three: during a church service; a prayer meeting/Bible study group; grace before a shared meal; a wedding/funeral/baptism service.

The Nature and Significance of Prayer - Worksheets, Questions and Revision