4 Things We Can Learn About Elijah’s Prayer
“Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed fervently for no rain to fall, not a single person did for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky made it rain and the earth began to yield its crops. » James 5:17-18
Over the past few years, Elijah has become one of my favorite Bible characters. But as I reread the stories of his life once again, I began to think about the biblical truth that Elijah was a man like us. And yet, his life was so powerful!
What made Elijah so powerful and effective in his prayers, his life? What can we learn from the life of Elijah to help our own prayer lives?
Elijah learned to be completely dependent on God.
Elijah was hiding from wicked King Ahab. He had no way to support himself. He was completely at the mercy of God himself, doing his best to walk in obedience. And God, Jehovah Jireh, if only He can do it.
Even when the stream dried up, Elijah had no need to fear. His source of nourishment has dried up, but not the faithfulness of his God. He went to the widow of Zarephath, completely convinced of God’s faithfulness in providing for her. And, as before, God did what only he could do.
Elijah prayed boldly for God-sized miracles.
“The prophet Elijah approached the altar and prayed: “Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I did all this at your request. Immediately the fire of the Lord burst forth from heaven and burned the young bull, the wood, the stones and the dust. He even licked all the water from the trench! 1 Kings 18:36, 38
Elijah was bold. He asked with incredible faith, believing that God was able. And, without fail, God answered these bold prayers. He poured out his power repeatedly, giving Elijah the opportunity to proclaim the greatness of God.
Elijah’s prayers turned the world back to God.
Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you are God, Lord and you brought them back to yourself. » 1 Kings 18:37
Yes, Elijah called fire from heaven to consume water and sacrifices not for his own glory, but so that others would know that Yahweh is God and that there is no other God in the heaven and earth. Elijah’s prayers were intended to point the world toward God.
Elijah prayed fervently until he saw the answer.
Elijah had prayed for the drought to exist. NOW, it was time for the drought to end. He began to ask the God of the universe for rain. Not a little rain, but enough rain to quench the thirst of the earth. He asked. No answer. He asked again. Still no answer. He asked seven times and sent his servant for an answer. He prayed while waiting for an answer.
Finally, after seven times, a small cloud began to form. A simple hint that God had heard his prayer was enough. He knew that a small cloud indicated that God was acting in answer to his prayers. And, God did exactly what he asked. It ended the drought. He sent rain to the earth.
Elijah prayed until he received an answer.
We must remember that it is God’s faithfulness that we call upon, His character. This is a God who wants to communicate with us, to help us in these difficult times. We must have faith that He is willing and able to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine.
We must remember that prayer is about ordinary people calling on a God all powerful. Do you want to join him?
Editor’s Note: This devotional was adapted from Dena Johnson’s 4 Things We Can Learn About Praying Elijah. You can read this article in full here.
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By Dena Johnson
