FEBRUARY 8, 2025
Topic: “Building Intimacy in Prayer: Elijah’s Model”
Text: 1 Kings 18:41-46
Memory Verse: James 5:17-18 “Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.”
Every one of us at one time or another has role models. These are people who influence our choices, our actions; the things we do and the things we do not do. When it comes to prayer, as a channel of intimacy with God, we can like James the beloved brother of the Lord Jesus Christ, also have role models. James from the James 5: 17, shows us clearly that Elijah was his role model when it comes to prayer.
From today’s text, what are the lessons we can learn from Elijah when it comes to prayer? First is that he prayed earnestly (1 Kings 18:42b). Elijah’s position, crouched down on the earth, praying with his face between his knees, is reflective of his dependent attitude. Secondly, Elijah prayed expectantly (1 Kings 18:43-45). Our prayers must continue to be persistent, even when the evidence is not visible.
As we step out today, can we imitate Elijah, who refused to give up or give in even when there was no evidence? The key lesson today is that, do not stop praying because satan knows that if he can keep us from praying, he can keep us from changing.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, energize us to pray, and make us role models of praying men and women. Lord let our prayer life be contagious, drawing others to the place of intimate prayers with you in Jesus’ name.