EARNEST PRAYER
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.
James 5:17-18 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
James gives us a powerful example of prayer. In the Old Testament (1 Kings 17:1) Elijah goes to the wicked king Ahab and declares there will not be rain until he says so. Elijah had a word from God and prayed on that word. Then, after the miracle of fire coming down on Mount Carmel, Elijah prays again and the rain comes (1 Kings 18:41-46). If God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, then God is still in the business of releasing His will on this earth through the earnest prayers of his servants. I believe there are times when we limit God’s ability to do His works because of our lack of faith in the power of prayer. In Mark 5 Jesus went into His hometown and was not able to do many miracles because of their lack of faith. Human doubt can limit God’s work. Doubt is expressed in our lack of prayer. If we believed God worked through our prayers, wouldn’t we pray more? Wouldn’t we be asking for more of the power of God to transform our families, our communities, and our world? Elijah’s prayers stopped rain, brought fire, and then started the rain again. What is God wanting to do in your world that He is waiting for you to declare by faith in prayer?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit show me what You want to do in my world. Direct my prayers to agree with Your will. Help me to consistently call out to You in prayer.
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