The Power of Prayer when it is according to God’s Word – Elijah (3)

„Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth“ (James 5:17) 

Why did Elijah pray for God to shut the heavens? Why did he pray for God to hold back the rain? 

The answer is: because Elijah knew the word of God. His prayer was based on what God had said in His Word. And Elijah trusted God to fulfil His word - even in times of decline! 

In Leviticus 26, the LORD announced that He would turn the heavens into iron if His people turned away from Him and followed other gods. 

In Deuteronomy 11:16, 17 Moses warns the people and says: “Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them; then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you, and he will shut up the heavens, so that there will be no rain, and the land will yield no fruit, and you will perish quickly off the good land that the LORD is giving you.” 

The closing of heaven was therefore a punishment by God because of Israel's sins. And the aim was to break the pride of the people. To lead them to repentance and humiliation. 

Elijah knew that. That’s why he asked the Lord to fulfil His promise on the basis of God's word. In other words: "You said ... Now please make it come true!" 

Why did he do this? Because he wanted the people to recognise their sinful state and repent. Elijah wanted the will of God to be done. He wanted a revival so that God would once again receive the honour in Israel. 

Elijah prayed with a clear conscience and a good disposition in accordance with God's will. Because of that, he had no doubt that his prayer would be answered. 

And his prayer was indeed answered. There was no rain for three and a half years. You have to realise what that means and what the consequences were. Imagine if it didn't rain in your country for three and a half years! 

We learn from this how important it is to pray in accordance with the Word of God. To pray in such a way that God can put His stamp of approval on it.  

When does He do that? When we pray with the right attitude of heart. And when we want God to be honoured and His name to be glorified! 

J.P.S.

Article series: Elijah