SundaySermon - Benny - The Fervent Prayer

 The Fervent Prayer

When we talk about prayer, we cannot ignore Elijah. And James refers to him as a person who prayer earnestly.

Verse: James 5:17-18

17 “Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 

18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.”

The story of Elijah is written in 1 Kings 17 and 18. The wonders he performed probably gave him a supernatural image… But James wanted to correct this…. Elijah was an ordinary man…. But he prayed earnestly

Prayer is effective not because of great men who pray…. But because of a great God who hears our prayers.

We often give credit to humans who pray rather than God. And this way, we make the people who pray as small gods. 

What are we doing with our prayers? What did Elijah do differently?…. The fervent prayer? What does that mean?

Define fervent: it is something that you do with passion. The word has a force …. It is something that moves you to do something…. And fervent prayer is something that moves you to move God. What moves God? Your passionate trust in God moves God.

Here are 2 pointers to Elijah’s prayer

  • Can you rely on God? Let God be everything to you
  • Daringly prayed for God sized miracles

Can you rely on God? Let God be everything to you

Elijah was a prominent figure during his time. He could have used his influence to have his way through. But he relied on God and this meant waiting…. And through this waiting, God provided his need through unexpected means

Verse: 1 Kings 17:6

“The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.”

Daringly prayed for God-sized miracles

Praying for a dead boy is definitely God-sized

Verse: 1 Kings 17:21

“Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, let this boy’s life return to him!””

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