James 5:16b-18
16 . . .The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
Background
- Ahab, the king of Israel was married to Jezebel.
- 3 1/2 year drought because of Israel’s disobedience.
- 1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
The Challenge
- Elijah vs. 450 Baal prophets
- Each made an altar and asked their God to send fire.
- Baal prophets tried all day.
- Elijah prayed, GOD SENT FIRE!
- All the Baal prophets were killed.
Now Elijah’s prayer referred to in James 5
- Elijah went to the top of the mountain and prayed.
- Sent servant to look for a cloud
- Seven times
- A cloud like a man’s hand
- GOD SENT RAIN!
Six practical elements of effective prayer
- Elijah WORKED at his prayer
- Elijah was SPECIFIC in his prayer
- Elijah prayed God’s WILL.
- Elijah involved OTHERS in his prayer.
- Elijah believed his prayer was ANSWERED.
- Elijah’s prayer was a WITNESS.