Effective PrayerSample

Prayer of Elijah – Against All Odds Jezebel, queen of Israel lured the king and the people into worshipping idols. God was angered because of the idol worship and did not send rain on Israel for three and a half years. The drought was severe. At this point, Elijah the prophet of God, challenges the prophets of Baal for a spiritual challenge on the Mount of Carmel to show the power of the true God. When the showdown was over, God promised Elijah to send rain. Elijah looked at the sky and there was not a single rain cloud. He prayed 7 times. Finally, he saw a small rain cloud in the sky. Why did Elijah pray? Israel was trying to juggle between the idol Baal and the true God of Israel. Elijah prayed that Israel would recognize and worship the true God. How did Elijah Pray? Elijah prayed twice – a long prayer for fire and the short prayer for rain. Long prayer: Set up the altar in order: The ‘altar’ is referred to as the relationship with God. Once the altar was rebuilt and the sacrifice placed, Elijah prayers were answered. Confidence: Elijah was confident based on his relationship with God and previously answered prayers. Short Prayer: Understanding the season: Elijah prayed for the need - rain. Persistence: Despite the natural circumstance, Elijah did not stop praying for rain. Result based: Elijah looked and checked on the progress of his prayer. Posture: On his knees - a posture of surrender and submission. Confidence: Elijah saw a small rain cloud and knew it was going to rain heavily. Did God answer Elijah’s prayer? Yes, God answered both the prayers. How can we pray like Elijah? Our prayers should be made over a rebuilt relationship with God, which gives us the confidence to ask God to perform miracles. Prayers made out of a desperate situation may not really be God’s will. Therefore, God knowing the end from the beginning may not answer us as we ask. Sometimes we may need to pray consistently till we see results. Answers may come in small breakthroughs. Every prayer is answered in due season; some may have a quicker response than others.