NBC Sunday School Lesson For January 18, 2026 : Title - Prayer

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (NBC)

Sunday, January 18, 2026

TOPIC: Prayer

Devotional Reading: Psalm 141

Background Scripture: Genesis 18:23–33; Luke 18:9–14; 1 John 5:14–15

Lesson Scripture: Genesis 18:25–27; Luke 18:9–14; 1 John 5:14–15

GOLDEN TEXT

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

(Luke 18:14)

OBJECTIVES

By the end of this lesson, class members should be able to:

Identify and explain three qualities required for effective prayer.

Appreciate God for the privilege and blessing of answered prayers.

Develop the habit of keeping a prayer journal to record prayer requests and testimonies.

INTRODUCTION

Prayer is a vital pillar of the Christian faith and an essential means of communication with God. Through prayer, believers express adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication to the Creator. Scripture presents numerous examples of individuals whose lives were shaped and strengthened through consistent and sincere prayer.

From today’s lesson, we learn that effective prayer requires a combination of humility and boldness. Humility involves recognising our total dependence on God, acknowledging our weaknesses, and approaching Him with sincerity and repentance. It means laying aside pride and self-reliance as we seek His grace and direction.

Boldness, on the other hand, is the confident approach to God’s throne, trusting His promises and believing that He hears and responds to prayer. When humility and boldness are rightly balanced, believers experience deeper intimacy with God, spiritual growth, and alignment with His divine will. As we study today’s lesson, we will examine how humility, boldness, and submission to God’s will shape an effective prayer life.

THE LESSON EXPLAINED

A. The Boldness of Abraham

(Genesis 18:25–27)

This passage highlights Abraham’s bold intercession before God and reveals the close relationship between faith and prayer. Knowing God’s justice and compassion, Abraham boldly pleads for the righteous in Sodom. He appeals to God’s character, affirming that the righteous should not suffer the same fate as the wicked.

Despite his boldness, Abraham remains deeply humble, referring to himself as “dust and ashes.” This combination of reverence and confidence demonstrates the proper posture of prayer—approaching God with courage rooted in faith and humility grounded in self-awareness. God’s willingness to listen underscores the value He places on sincere intercession.

Abraham’s example challenges believers today to intercede for others—our families, communities, and nations—with both humility and bold faith. Intercessory prayer strengthens trust in God’s character, nurtures spiritual maturity, and invites divine intervention into human affairs.

Discussion Time

How can believers apply Abraham’s example of boldness in prayer today?

In what practical ways can Christians promote justice and righteousness in their communities?

B. Self-Righteousness Versus Humility

(Luke 18:9–14)

Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector to address those who trusted in their own righteousness and despised others. The Pharisee’s prayer reveals pride and self-righteousness. He boasts of his religious activities and compares himself favorably with the tax collector, assuming moral superiority.

In contrast, the tax collector approaches God with deep humility and repentance. He acknowledges his sin and pleads for mercy, recognising his total dependence on God’s grace. Jesus affirms that it was the tax collector—not the Pharisee—who was justified before God.

This parable calls believers to examine their hearts when praying. Self-righteousness can subtly creep into spiritual life, causing people to rely on good works rather than God’s grace. True prayer flows from humility, gratitude for God’s mercy, and a willingness to extend grace to others.

Discussion Time

In what ways can Christians exhibit Pharisaic self-righteousness in prayer today?

How does our attitude in prayer affect our relationship with God and the answers we receive?

C. Praying According to God’s Will

(1 John 5:14–15)

Beyond humility and boldness, Apostle John introduces a third essential quality of effective prayer—alignment with God’s will. He assures believers that confidence in prayer comes when requests are made according to God’s will.

Prayer aligned with God’s will flows from a life that rejects sin, bitterness, and unforgiveness. It seeks God’s purpose rather than personal desires. Such prayer is a dialogue with God, not a monologue—a partnership in which believers cooperate with God’s divine plan. Prayers offered in this manner receive God’s attention and produce results.

Believers are encouraged to shape their prayer lives around God’s will rather than personal expectations. Discovering God’s will requires regular study of Scripture, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and obedience to God’s leading. When prayers are aligned with God’s purpose, believers experience the joy of answered prayers and lasting testimonies.

Discussion Time

Does God answer all prayers? If yes, how? If not, why?

How can believers discern and pray according to God’s will?

FELLOWSHIP AND MINISTRY-BUILDING ACTIVITY

Class members should begin a prayer journal, recording prayer requests and noting when each prayer is answered.

PRAYER POINTS

Ask God for the grace to pray with humility and boldness.

Pray for the wisdom to always align your prayers with God’s will.

TAKE HOME

Write down three lessons you learned from today’s study.

COMMITMENT

Based on today’s lesson, commit yourself to praying for others as faithfully as you pray for yourself.