Prayer

    WJEC
    GCSE

    Examine the theological function and phenomenological variety of prayer within religious practice, specifically utilizing the ACTS model (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication). Candidates must analyze the distinction between set liturgical forms and extemporaneous private devotion, evaluating how these modalities facilitate the believer's relationship with the divine and align with doctrinal understandings of God's nature, particularly omniscience and benevolence.

    5
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) as the pattern for Christian prayer
    • ACTS Acronym: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication
    • Matthew 18:20 - 'For where two or three gather in my name...'
    • 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - 'Pray continually' (Significance of private prayer)
    • The distinction between Liturgical (Book of Common Prayer) and Extempore (Spontaneous) prayer

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have described the practice; now explain the theological motivation behind it"
    • "Integrate a specific Source of Wisdom (quote or reference) to validate this point"
    • "Your evaluation is unbalanced; you must consider why a believer might disagree with this statement"
    • "Use specific terminology like 'Intercession' or 'Liturgical' rather than general descriptions"

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for precise differentiation between liturgical (set), non-liturgical (structured but open), and informal (spontaneous) prayer
    • Credit responses that explicitly link the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6) to the concept of a model for Christian worship
    • Candidates must explain the theological significance of prayer types, e.g., intercession demonstrating belief in an omnipotent, intervening God
    • In evaluation, reward the ability to weigh the value of set formulas against the authenticity of extempore prayer

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡For 'Explain' questions, use the P.E.E. structure: Point, Evidence (Scripture), Explanation of impact
    • 💡In 'Discuss' questions (15 marks), ensure you include non-religious or alternative religious perspectives where the specification allows
    • 💡Memorize the ACTS acronym to ensure coverage of different forms of prayer in descriptive answers
    • 💡Always link the practice of prayer back to the attribute of God it reflects (e.g., Confession links to God as Judge/Forgiver)

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating 'liturgical' worship with general 'public' worship without defining the set structure
    • Listing types of prayer (ACTS) without explaining their specific purpose or theological implication
    • Failing to provide specific scriptural evidence (Sources of Wisdom) to support assertions about the importance of prayer
    • Presenting a one-sided argument in 'Discuss' questions rather than evaluating valid alternatives

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    Compare
    Outline

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