PRAYER THAT WORKS

TO THE BIBLE: James 5:17-18 TLB

“Elijah was as completely human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for the next three and a half years! Then he prayed again, this time that it would rain, and down it poured, and the grass turned green and the gardens began to grow again.”

LET’S TALK

When the children of Israel descended into idolatry, Elijah wanted to teach them a lesson and get them back to God. So he prayed for the rain to stop, and it didn’t rain in Israel for three-and-a-half years. When the people repented, Elijah prayed again for rain to fall, and the Lord said to him, “Go, show yourself to Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth” (1 Kings 18:1 RSV). Elijah knew God had answered his prayer, but he didn’t just sit there twiddling his thumb and waiting for the rain to fall. He went back on his knees and continued in fervent prayer (1 Kings 18:41-45).

There may have been times the Spirit of God let you know He already answered your prayer, and so, in excitement, you made it public. But when things didn’t turn out the way you expected, you asked, “What did I do wrong?” Well, it wasn’t so much what you did wrong, but what you stopped doing— you left off praying!

Your prayer is required to remove every obstacle and bring God’s Word to pass in your life! There are things you may not know to do until you spend time in prayer; then, God can reveal to you the steps you need to take. Christianity is a life of faith alright, but fervent prayer has its place. Don’t be perturbed by the things that appear unfavourable at the moment. Continue to pray in faith until you see the desired result. Press on in prayer!

Go Deeper: Proverbs 15:29, James 5:16

Pray

Father, I thank you for the privilege of coming to your throne with boldness in the Name of your Son, Jesus. I rejoice for you hear, delight in, and answer my prayer as it wafts before you as incense, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Act

Take out time to fast, study the Word and pray today.