ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 2 (July 6-12), Prayer: The Heartbeat of Revival

Welcome

Many Sabbath School class teachers either preach a sermon to their class or deliver a monologue on the whole lesson, going through it "day-by-day." The most rewarding sessions involve the members in discussion. These questions here are intended to stimulate the active participation of the members in your class. Of course pertinent information imparted by the teacher is also very valuable, for which there are many resources in print and on the internet. This site seeks to provide a resource for discussions.

If you are a member and not a teacher and your class is boring, try asking questions such as these in your class.

Saturday, 6 July 2013

Lesson 2 (July 6-12), Prayer: The Heartbeat of Revival

Did Jesus mean for us to memorize the prayer he taught his disciples?

Prayer and Revival in Acts

Is it possible to love God so much that prayer becomes addictive?
Is it possible to pray too much?

Jesus’ Prayer Life

When is the best time of the day for prayer and why?
Why did Jesus spend so much time in prayer—even whole nights?

Praying Together

What was the reason Peter, James, and John fall asleep when Jesus asked them to pray?
Is group prayer more effective than individual prayers? What does group prayer accomplish?
What does it accomplish when we repeat the Lord’s prayer together in public? Would you rather people asking you a favour do it with a memorized group request or spontaneously from the heart?

Our Freedom

What happens to our freedom when we pray “Thy will be done?”
How do we know when we have received the Holy Spirit?

Effective Prayer

Is prayer more effective when you close your eyes? Why or why not?
Is prayer more effective when you kneel down? Why or why not?
Is it possible to treat God too much like a friend? Is it wrong to chat with him like a friend? How did Bible characters talk to God?
Are there some prayers that God will refuse to hear?

How to Teach a Sabbath School Class

1. Make a conscious decision that you will lead a discussion and not preach a sermon. Prepare accordingly and be alert for discussion opportunities. A discussion in which many participate is very rewarding.

2. You must have a page of freshly written notes. Don't waste people's time with inconsequential things just to occupy the time.

3. Sprinkle your notes with discussion questions and mark them out in bold. Any time you feel you are losing the attention of the members get them into another discussion. The discussion should be relevant to the lesson as well as to everyday life.

4. Start the lesson with a discussion question, or at the very latest within the next few sentences. If you wait for ten minutes and then try to generate a discussion it will be too late. The class will have tuned you out because you have tuned them out.

5. The opening question should be general enough so that even those who have not studied will be interested in contributing.

6. Avoid questions that can be answered by a single word. If someone answers with "yes/no" ask them to give reasons for their answer. If the answer is too short ask them to clarify or simplify the answer.

7. If a member asks a question, that is a golden opportunity for a discussion. Don't waste it by answering it too quickly. Throw the question back to the members for their opinion. You can give yours at the end.

8. Avoid childish questions such as "Which day is the Sabbath?" Members will not feel any need to answer it. Similarly do not pause in a sentence for the members to supply the last few words. That kind of participation is not a discussion. Members must contribute ideas and thoughts and not just words.

9. Avoid trick questions. Members will be embarrassed if you show them wrong and they will not answer the next time. Also avoid questions that will make it obvious whether or not they have studied the lesson. Those who have not studied should also feel urged to contribute.

10. You may sometimes present two views and ask the members to evaluate the views.