Prompting

A prompt is an input text or signal given to a model to trigger a response or generate an output, often used to guide the model's behaviour during training or inference. In other words, prompting is telling the AI what you want it to do. But that is a bit of an art. The better the prompt, the better the output will be.

The AI cannot read your mind (yet :-)). The more clearly you can tell it what you want, the better. People sometimes use the analogy of instructing an intern in your workplace. He/she is capable of following instructions but does not have a lot of experience; you have to be quite clear about what is required.

The following is very general. Specific systems will have their own ways of working and specific prompt requirements.

Frameworks

There are various frameworks for remembering different aspects that should be included in a prompt.

The following was produced by Perplexity on 7 March 2025. Its sources are listed below.

RHODES/RODES Framework

1. Role - Defines the AI's role, setting the tone and perspective for the response. This establishes the expertise level and context for the output.

2. Objective - Clearly articulates the goal of the prompt, focusing the AI's efforts on a specific task or outcome.

3. Details - Provides specific context, parameters, or constraints to guide the AI's response, ensuring relevance and accuracy.

4. Examples - Illustrates the desired style, tone, or format of the output, helping the AI understand the expected result.

5. Sense Check - Confirms the AI's understanding of the prompt, ensuring alignment before execution.

This framework is particularly useful for creative tasks, marketing copy, or situations where style and tone are as important as content.

Sample prompt using the RHODES/RODES framework:

N.B. this example separates the various components. Normally, the prompt would be written as a single paragraph.

Role: Act as an experienced pastor and community leader with a deep understanding of biblical teachings and modern societal challenges.

Objective: Create a compelling sermon outline on the topic of "Finding Hope in Difficult Times" that resonates with a diverse congregation facing various personal and societal challenges.

Details: The sermon should be approximately 30 minutes long, incorporate at least three relevant Bible passages, and include practical applications for daily life. Consider the current global issues such as economic uncertainty, social divisions, and environmental concerns.

Examples: Structure the outline similar to this:

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

   • Attention-grabbing opening

   • Brief overview of the topic

2. Main Points (20 minutes, 3-4 points)

   • Biblical passage

   • Explanation and context

   • Modern-day application

   • Personal or historical anecdote

3. Conclusion (5 minutes)

   • Summary of key points

   • Call to action

   • Closing prayer

Sense Check: Please confirm that you understand the task is to create a sermon outline on "Finding Hope in Difficult Times" that is biblically grounded, practically applicable, and sensitive to current global challenges.

GRADE Framework

1. Goal - Defines the overall purpose of the prompt.

2. Request - Specifies the exact task or information needed.

3. Action - Outlines the steps or approach the AI should take.

4. Details - Provides additional context or constraints.

5. Example - Offers a sample of the desired output or format.

This framework is particularly useful for project management, content creation, and analytical tasks where clarity and precision are key.

Sample prompt for church leaders using the GRADE framework:

Goal: To create an engaging Bible study curriculum for a 6-week small group program.

Request: Develop an outline for each of the 6 weekly lessons on the theme "Building Strong Christian Relationships."

Action: For each lesson, include:

1. Main topic

2. Key Bible verses

3. Brief explanation of historical context

4. 3-5 discussion questions

5. A closing prayer

Details: Each lesson should be designed for a 60-minute session and cater to adult participants with varying levels of biblical knowledge. Ensure the content is both intellectually stimulating and practically applicable to modern life.

Example: Week 1 Outline:

• Topic: The Foundation of Christian Relationships

• Key Verses: John 13:34-35, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

• Historical Context: Brief explanation of the early Christian community

• Discussion Questions:

  1. How do these verses define love in a Christian context?

  2. In what ways can we apply these principles in our daily interactions?

  3. What challenges might we face in living out this kind of love?

• Closing Prayer: (Brief prayer focusing on love and unity)

These frameworks provide structured approaches to crafting effective prompts, ensuring that AI-generated content meets the specific needs of church leaders and their congregations.

Other similar frameworks include:

1. TRACI Framework

• 1. Task: The specific activity or problem the AI is expected to address.

  2. Role: The perspective or persona the AI should adopt in generating the response.

  3. Audience: The target group or individuals for whom the AI's response is intended.

  4. Create: The format or medium of the requested output.

  5. Intent: The underlying purpose or goal of the generated text.

An example prompt using the TRACI framework. Can you spot the various components?

As an experienced youth pastor, create an engaging social media post for Instagram aimed at teenagers in your church youth group. The post should promote an upcoming summer camp retreat focused on spiritual growth and community building. Your goal is to increase sign-ups and generate excitement among the youth. 

• The 5-component framework

1. 1. Objective: Specifies the ultimate goal of the AI's task.

   2. Context: Provides background information or additional context to guide the AI's understanding.

   3. Instructions: Details the steps or processes the AI should undertake.

   4. Constraints: Outlines any limitations or parameters to guide the AI's response.

   5. Desired Output: Indicates the type or format of the expected output.

An example prompt using the 5-component framework. Can you spot the various components?

Design a comprehensive outreach strategy for our church to connect with and support elderly members of our local community who may be experiencing isolation. The strategy should include both in-person and digital initiatives, taking into account mobility limitations and varying levels of technology proficiency among seniors. Focus on fostering meaningful connections, providing practical assistance, and sharing the love of Christ. Your plan should be implementable within a 6-month timeframe and involve volunteers from our congregation. Please present your strategy in a detailed, bulleted format suitable for presentation to our church leadership team. 

2. F.A.S.T.E.R Framework (Kenny Jahng)

1. 1. Form factor = what sort of output you want e.g. a poem

   2. Audience = who is it for?

   3. Subject matter expertise = specifying what area the AI is an expert in. Specify the AI's personality/style.

   4. Task direction = telling the AI how to go about the task.

   5. Examples & evidence = give the model examples of what you want.

   6. Requirements and restrictions = define limits and what you do not want.

General Advice

When writing AI prompts, it's generally recommended to:

• Be specific and clear about what you want the AI to generate.

• Use natural language, as if having a conversation.

• Provide context or examples to guide the AI's output.

• Break down complex questions into smaller, simpler parts.

• Consider the tone and audience for your desired output.

Remember, effective prompting often involves iterating and refining your prompts based on the AI's responses. You can "converse" with the AI helping it understand better what you want.

I entered the following prompt into Perplexity. What is your assessment of the prompt? Did it produce the desired results?

Use some of these prompts in any LLM to test the results. Tweak them to fit your situation.

Please write 10 sample prompts incorporating good prompting technique. You do not have to stick to any of the above examples. Write prompts relevant for church leaders but addressing a diversity of issues relevant to churches. Act as an AI coach keen to help people learning about AI.

The result was:

Certainly! Here are 10 sample prompts incorporating good prompting techniques, designed for church leaders addressing various issues relevant to churches. These prompts demonstrate effective ways to interact with AI assistants:

1. As a church financial advisor, create a detailed 12-month budget plan for a medium-sized church of 250 members. Include categories for staff salaries, building maintenance, outreach programs, and unexpected expenses. Provide strategies for increasing donations and managing resources efficiently.

2. Develop a comprehensive plan for integrating new members into our church community. Include a 6-week orientation program, mentorship opportunities, and strategies for encouraging active participation in church activities. Consider the needs of different age groups and family structures.

3. Write a sensitive and compassionate email to a church member who has recently lost a loved one. The email should offer condolences, provide information about the church's grief support group, and suggest ways the church community can help during this difficult time.

4. Create an outline for a sermon series on "Navigating Faith in the Digital Age." Include five sermon topics, each with three main points and relevant scripture references. Consider addressing issues such as online evangelism, the impact of social media on relationships, and maintaining spiritual disciplines in a technology-driven world.

5. Design a volunteer recruitment campaign for our church's community outreach programs. Include a catchy slogan, three social media post ideas, and a brief script for a pulpit announcement. Focus on inspiring members to use their unique gifts in service to others.

6. Develop a crisis communication plan for our church in case of unexpected events (e.g., natural disasters, public controversies, or health emergencies). Include steps for assessing the situation, crafting appropriate messages, and utilizing various communication channels effectively.

7. Create a month-long daily devotional series focused on "Cultivating Gratitude in Daily Life." Each day's entry should include a brief scripture passage, a 150-word reflection, and a practical gratitude exercise. Ensure the content is relatable to a diverse congregation.

8. As an experienced youth pastor, design an engaging 6-week curriculum for a high school Bible study on "Christian Ethics in the Modern World." Include discussion topics, interactive activities, and suggestions for applying biblical principles to current ethical dilemmas faced by teenagers.

9. Develop a comprehensive strategy for improving our church's online presence. Include recommendations for website optimization, social media engagement, live-streaming services, and creating valuable digital content. Consider both tech-savvy and less tech-literate members of our congregation.

10. Create a detailed proposal for a church-wide "Season of Service" initiative. Include ideas for local community service projects, ways to partner with other organizations, and methods to measure the impact of our efforts. Incorporate suggestions for all age groups and ability levels to participate meaningfully.

These prompts demonstrate key elements of effective AI interaction, such as providing specific context, clearly stating objectives, and including relevant details to guide the AI's responses. They also cover a wide range of topics relevant to church leadership, from pastoral care and community outreach to financial management and digital strategy.

Create your own prompts for the following, or for similar situations

1. You would like King Saul and King David to be compared and the results to be set out in a table.

2. You are not sure how to explain Communion to children.

3. You are trying to decide whether or not to be a vegetarian?

4. You are planning a 3-day tour of Tasmania.

5. You would like to use up some things in your fridge.