Elijah’s Prayer                                                                      March 5, 2010

 I Kings 18:36-38

³⁶ At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. ³⁷ Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again."  ³⁸ Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. 

At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: "O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command.  "Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again."  Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. 

Elijah had just challenged the Baal worshippers to see who served the One True God.  After the Baal worshippers failed to call down fire from their gods, Elijah mocked them and said,  "shout loudly,...maybe he's sleeping!" 

    Remember, Elijah, God's prophet, was outnumbered 450-1.  He was mighty bold to make these claims before his God had answered him.  But, Elijah had faith.  He called out to God and watched as Yahweh's fire came down and consumed the offering.  Elijah believed and knew that God would deliver.  He wanted to turn the Israelites hearts back to Him.

    Lord, You are awesome and powerful.  Give us strength to follow you daily.  Increase our faith and do not let us become sidetracked by the "gods" of this world.  All glory, honor, and praise be to you!     In Jesus name,  Amen

Erik Finney