James 5-Part 7
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. James 5:17-18 NIV
LET IT GLOW
Last year, 2011, was a record year of extremes in my area-snowfall (30"), low temperatures (-25), rainfall (floods in spring), drought in summer (6wks.), high temperatures (115 several days). Now that was just in our county. Extreme cold and enabling snow drifts made it challenging to get the tractor out to feed the livestock. Crops were difficult to plant because of the heavy spring floods. Then green fields and gardens dried up. What a year. It was almost like someone was praying, like someone was controlling the weather. Oh, Someone was-our heavenly Father. (I recall others praying for the spring rains to stop and summer rains to come, like others.)
Elijah was a righteous man whose prayers availed much (verse 16). How much was much? Elijah's powerful prayers changed the weather. they altered the forces of nature and for 3 1/2 years, mind you!
Can our prayers alter things? You and I are just ordinary, average believers.
Liberty Bible Commentary showed that Elijah was ordinary:
He was a man subject to like passions as we are. He fled Jezebel's fury immediately after God sent fire on Mount Carmel (IKings 1-19). He prayed earnestly. His greatness did not lie in special gifts or a superhuman character, but he is distinguished by the way he prayed. He prayed with all superficial distractions removed. And he prayed again. Prayer is communicating with God, and genuine communication results in visible response.If Elijah was like you and me, then why does our prayer life not shake up things?
LET IT GROW
Swindoll says that Elijah practice effective praying-he prayed in accordance with God's will, he was specific, and he prayed in faith. (1 Kings 17-18)
How does James' teachings apply to me? In his book, James, Practical and Authentic Living, Charles Swindoll says:
1. Prayer is to be continuous. It isn't just for mealtimes or moments of panic, or our last resource. Paul
told us to pray without ceasing in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. In the Greek, ceasing is like a hacking
cough-something that you are constantly reminded of throughtout the day.
2. Prayer is designed for every part of life. Affliction, sickness, sin specific needs-nothing is too big or
too small for prayer. If it's a concern-ask!
3. Prayer is not a substitute for responsible and intelligent action. If we aren't willing to see a doctor
and take the right kind of medicine, don't ask people to pray for us.
4. Prayer is not for the perfect, but for the imperfect. Be persistant about prayer.
Am I a tempered soul, a gentle spirit, a seasoned will that's prepared to be the kind of Christian God wants to use for His kingdom work?That's how E.M.Bounds described Hannah, Samuel's mother.
Do I pray earnestly? Are my motives right? Lord Jesus, change my heart and prayer life into what You want it to be.
LET IT GO
What do I need to change in order to have my prayers change things?
Spend more time in prayer.
Earnestly pray for others and myself that our faith will not fail.
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