Human actions that control the weather

¹⁷ Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. ¹⁸ And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. - James 5:17 -18 NKJV

It's been done.

A single man prevented rain from falling on the earth for 3.5 years and the same man caused the sky to open up the floodgates!

The scripture above is explaining how the prophet Elijah used prayer to accomplish the impossible.

Bible stories like these are amazing to ponder, but they are not entertainment. Elijah's example is a model for how 21st century Jesus followers should approach prayer.

So how do we pray like Elijah?

Start with righteousness

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. - James 5:16b NKJV

Before summarizing Elijah's miracle, the Bible says that a righteous person who prays effectively and fervently will have powerful prayer results.

To be righteous is to be a morally upright, virtuous and God-fearing person.

Elijah's righteousness is detailed in the Old Testament book of 1st Kings. In a time when idol worship was common and accepted, Elijah publicly stood against it. He was also God's conduit to heal the sick and speak against the wicked leadership of that day.

The mark of the righteous

Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. 1 Kings 18:36 NKJV

3 small words that pack a powerful punch - AT YOUR WORD.

Elijah's righteousness was based upon the word of God. In fact it was God's word that made Elijah righteous. God's word is what Elijah sought after and it was God's word that he obeyed. This is the mark of a righteous person.

But being righteous isn't enough for powerful prayer according to the passage in James.

Fervent and Effective

Before Elijah calls down the rain, he makes a statement that there is a sound of an abundance of rain. Then he bows to the ground with in head between his knees and tells his servant to look toward the sea. Reference verses 41-43.

This is a posture of intense, fervent prayer. It symbolizes intensity, great faith and genuineness. And when a man like Elijah, a righteous person, prays like this is their prayer will be very effective.

But his prayer isn't answered...😟

⁴³ and [Elijah] said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” So he went up and looked, and said, “There is nothing.” And seven times he said, “Go again.” 1 Kings 18:43

7 times Elijah tells his servant to look toward the sea.

7 times Elijah prays with great intensity that it would rain.

But nothing happens, until...

When God answers your prayer wrong

God answers Elijah's prayer with a tiny cloud. But it was enough for Elijah to tell others to take cover and get moving!

The chapter ends with heavy rain and God giving Elijah strength to outrun chariots...you know...like horses.

Don't miss this!

Notice that Elijah was persistent with seeing God's promises come to pass. 7 times Elijah sent his servant to see if the prayer was answered!

But also, Elijah didn't discount his answered prayer when there was only a small cloud visible. Elijah believed that if there was any size cloud in the sky, it was enough to bring the rain that he was praying for.

How do we pray like Elijah then?

Simply put, we do so by cultivating a genuine relationship with God and his word just like how Elijah did.

Practically put, we do the following:

1. SEEK God's word - Know what God has to say about the topic
2. COMPLETE God's commands - Be a doer of what God instructs
3. PERSIST to see God's promises come true - Keep obeying until God proves Himself
4. BOLO (Be on the lookout) for how God keeps word - Remember God isn't limited in how he can answer prayers

Don't give up,

Tim