Prayer

Earnest Prayers: Communicate with God.

Elijah declared that Israel would have a drought—meaning no rain for a long time—because King Ahab worshiped Baal and influenced the people to turn away from God. The story of Elijah is found in the Old Testament, yet the New Testament talks about him, too! 

James 5:16–18 says:    

Elijah was a man of earnest prayer. That means he prayed with purpose and passion.  As a result of Elijah’s prayer, God moved powerfully. What does this passage say about Elijah—was he some kind of superhero? No, he was as human as we are. 

Elijah trusted God and boldly stepped out to declare His Word. He completely depended on God to answer his prayers. When Elijah declared a drought, it didn’t rain for 3 and 1/2 years! Then Elijah prayed again, and rain came. Another time, Elijah prayed for fire, and God sent fire from heaven. He stepped out in faith, and God answered his prayers!   

Today in our prayer time, I want you to think of someone you care about who needs something. They may need to be healed, or they may need a job, or they may need food, or they may need to know Jesus loves them. God cares about these people, too. And like Elijah, we will be praying for God’s will to be done. When we do that—God answers! Allow children time to think of someone and pray silently.

Pray: Heavenly Father, Elijah was a person just like us, and You answered his bold prayers. We believe You will also hear and answer our earnest prayers today. Help us to continue to pray at home with passion and purpose. Let us come back to this place to testify and praise You for the results. There is nothing too small or too big for us to bring to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Remember to keep praying throughout the week, and pay attention to see how God is answering your prayers. Next time we get together, you can share it with all of us.