Prayer is one of the most powerful things we can do as Christians. Sometimes we make it our last resort, which I’ve been guilty of. Prayer can be treated like a task on a to do list. We sigh and pray because all of our other efforts have failed.
Prayer should not be the last hopeless act for the Christian. Prayer is a powerful spiritual weapon. We are not praying to the air, or the clouds, or a mysterious god. We are coming to the Throne of Grace of Almighty God. He answers His children when we call.
Pray like Elijah.
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. James 5:17-18, NIV
Elijah was a prophet during a turbulent time in Israel’s history. God used him in an exceptional way. When he was sent into hiding by God the ravens fed him (1 Kings 17:2-6). God sent Elijah to stay with a widow, and her flour and oil miraculously never ran out. When the widow’s son was deathly ill, Elijah pleaded with God for the boy’s life, and God healed the child (1 Kings 17:7-24).
One of Elijah’s most famous moments is with the prophets of Baal. He called down fire from heaven which burned up the sacrifice and everything around it. All the people fell to the ground and cried, “The Lord, he is God! The Lord, he is God!” (1 Kings 18:39). Then Elijah slaughtered the 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:40).
When Elijah prayed earnestly for rain. He climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. Elijah sent his servant six times to look toward the sea for signs of rain. On the seventh time the servant reported “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea” (1 Kings 18:44).
But Elijah was just a regular person like you and me. He got tired and discouraged, just like we all do at times. When Elijah fled in fear of Jezebel he begged God to take his life. That did not stop God from encouraging Elijah, and still using him greatly.
Elijah was a superstar prayer warrior who got to experience many miracles. Clearly he was gifted by God, but still just a human like us. Elijah was obedient and did what God asked of him time and time again.
Elijah prayed according to God’s will.
Elijah prayed for rain and it did not rain for three and a half years. He asked God to change the weather and God did. This was all according to God’s plan.
Elijah had to completely rely on God.
God sent Elijah to hide in a ravine with no food or water. He had to trust that God would do exactly as He told him by providing water from the brook and ravens to bring food.
Elijah asked God for miracles.
God healed the widow’s son after Elijah pleaded for the boy’s life. He called fire down from heaven. These are no small feats. Only God could perform such miracles.
Elijah prayed earnestly.
He continued to pray and sent his servant seven times to look for rain. Elijah kept praying until there was rain.
Elijah’s prayers resulted in God being glorified.
During the sacrifice he prayed to God. Elijah asked the Lord to answer him so the people will know that the Lord is God, and that they would turn their hearts back to Him.
Our prayers can be as powerful as Elijah’s.
What if we prayed bigger bolder prayers?
Not just prayers for our personal needs, which we should do. Prayers for salvation. Prayers for our country to turn to God. Prayers for the salvation of our unsaved friends and family. Prayers for healing, forgiveness, peace, miracles. Prayers for the impossible. What if?
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16b, NIV
When we pray we are calling on God Almighty. Our righteousness is from our faith in Jesus Christ. This means our prayers are powerful. This is an amazing gift from God. When we pray, God moves. We can pray just like Elijah did, and watch God do marvelous works that bring glory and honor to His name.
Help us Lord, to want what You want.
Let’s pray like Elijah.
Love you all,
Meghan
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the amazing gift of prayer. We can come to you at any time, any place. You will never turn us away. Teach us to pray big faith-filled prayers. May we ask according to Your will. Help us to clearly hear the Holy Spirit as we pray. All glory, honor, and praise to You!
In Jesus name,
Amen
Meghan E White 