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Day 10: Fire and Rain

Today we will focus on the ministry of Elijah. If you read 1 Kings chapters 17 and 18, you'll see how God used him. For example, Elijah prayed seven times for rain after a long drought. The book of James also mentions this occasion, and we know from that account that not only did Elijah's prayers bring rain, but they had also stopped the rain three years earlier! Of course, God's will is always for his power and wisdom to be revealed, yet it took Elijah's prayers to fulfil this before the Israelites and king Ahab. This was just one of many displays of power as a result of Elijah's prayers; another is found at the ‘Carmel Corral’, in 1 Kings 18, where there was a competition to prove whose God was better. God's fire fell on the sacrifice, which was previously doused three times in water… just to be sure.

Following the fire fall, scripture tells us that Elijah “climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.” An unusual posture that describes a birthing position, a prayer that is prevailing and travailing - a co-labouring with God to bring about His purposes.  We have already seen Elijah fed by ravens, restore a child to life, pray for drought, and call down fire and rain. We know His travailing and prevailing prayer was that the people would know God.

Christians would pray all night during the civil rights movement  in what was called 'shut-ins.' The sound of prayer from these places was not of words but guttural groans, a sound of labouring, their very being crying 'Oh God.’ Their prayers brought change. I think of parents who are desperately seeking God for their loved ones. It is not a waste of time. God sees your labour and he will bring life.

Lord, thank you for your encouragement that the joy of new life is the reward of our labouring in prayer for the salvation of our loved ones, friends, and the world. I pray for those who are tired of travailing, that you would draw near, encourage hearts and renew hope. Amen.

Reflect and Respond

• Write a prayer of thanks for your salvation; thank God for the person who prayed for you.
• Pray for a lost friend or family member, asking Jesus to leave the 99 and pursue them.
• Ask that God would give you the heart of Jesus for the lost.
• Meditate on this verse: “Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God and that you are turning their hearts back again.” (1 Kings 18:37)

Prayer Focus

“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

• The first place we start to model our faith is around our children. Take a moment to pray for your children, grandchildren and those in your care.
• Pray for Tamara, Courtney, Janelle and Kim as they lead the children’s ministry.
• Ask God to bless the children’s ministry of Willow Park with creativity and strength.
• Volunteers are always needed; ask the Lord to provide the right people in the right places.
• Pray for your three prayer points.