Leader Guide

Prayer

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Persistent Prayers: Communicate with God.

When Elijah prayed for God to stop the rain, a drought began that lasted over three years. Let’s read how the drought finally ended. Read 1 Kings 18: 42b–45a:

⁴²... Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed. … ⁴³Then he said to his servant, “Go and look out toward the sea.” The servant went and looked, then returned to Elijah and said, “I didn’t see anything.” Seven times Elijah told him to go and look. ⁴⁴Finally the seventh time, his servant told him, “I saw a little cloud about the size of a man’s hand rising from the sea.” … ⁴⁵And soon the sky was black with clouds. A heavy wind brought a terrific rainstorm.

Did Elijah give up when his servant said there was no sign of rain? No.

Elijah prayed with persistence. This means he continued to pray without giving up. How many times did Elijah tell his servant to look for rain? Seven times.

The Bible tells us that Jesus encouraged His disciples to pray and not give up. (See Luke 18:1.)

When we ask for something that pleases God, He promises to hear and answer. (See 1 John 5:14–15.)

Let’s close our eyes and bow our heads. Think of something that is really important to you; something you have asked God for and haven’t seen the answer yet. Now, pray silently and share your request with Him. Be persistent and don’t give up! Allow time for children to pray, then close in prayer.

Dear God, we praise You for hearing each one of our prayers today. Give us the strength to pray with persistence—never giving up or doubting, even if the answer doesn’t come quickly. We want to be like Elijah, praying with faith and then watching confidently for the answer. By faith we pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.