I Kings 18:41-45
A Man Like Us Prayed

Introduction
1. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elijah was subject to like
passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain; and it rained not on the
earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven
gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. (James 5:16b-18)
2. Would you like to have a powerful prayer life?
3. I believe James 1:18 has I Kings 18:41-45 in mind. Elijah PRAYED! There are two
essentials:

Would you like to have a powerful prayer life? Two essentials:
I. THE PRAYER OF FAITH 18:41-43
We are given some keys to praying.
A. His Perspective 41
1.There is a sound of abundance of rain…He saw nothing! There were no clouds in the sky. This assurance comes through fellowship (18:1). The assurance comes through fellowship, and through the Word. We must get to know Him better.
2.Do you have confidence when you pray? It will come as we know the Father. The better we know the Father the more confidence we will have. “Our Father who art in heaven…” If your father knows how to give good gifts to his children how much more will your heavenly Father give to those who ask Him. One reason to pray is to get to know the Father. He who prays the most knows the Father the best.
B. His Privacy 42a Elijah went up to the top of Mt. Carmel.
1. He withdrew from the hustle and hurry and from people and problems.
2.Go into your closet and shut the door (Mt. 6:6) We need quietness with no distractions.
3.You’ll have to make time to get alone. Too often the hurry of the day halts our time alone with the Father. Often when God speaks it is in a quiet whisper, but we are too busy to hear. Or it is too noisy to hear.
C. His Posture 42b He cast himself down to the earth and put his face between his knees.
1.This is the exterior, but it is a picture of his interior.
2.Humble means, ‘to bow low’. He recognizes who God is and how unworthy he is.
3.We need to realize the privilege of walking into the court of heaven and standing before the One who died for us. Pride must go!
D. His Platform This is his basis for prayer.
1. His prayer is based on God’s word (18:1) and the promise of God. What a way to pray! Pray His Word back to Him.
2.If rain was promised then why pray? We pray to teach us dependence and appreciation. It shows us our inadequacy.
3.Prayer is God’s appointed way: If we would receive…we must ask. If we would find…we must seek. If the door or blessing is to be opened…we must knock. If we fail to ask: You have not because you ask not. (James 4:2)
E. His Petition James 5:17 Prayed for rain
1.Pray to the point.
2.“Letters which require no answer contain little or nothing of value.”
3.We seldom pray our hearts. We have a high priest who can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities…Let us come boldly (say all) before the throne of grace to find help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15, 16)
4.Keep a record if necessary.
F. His Passion James 5:17
1.Fervent is not shouting or screaming…it is down to business, heartfelt praying!
2.Praying in the New Testament uses many descriptive words: seeking…knocking…crying…striving…toil to weariness.
3.Don’t expect million dollar answers from 10 cent prayers. Mean business!
G. His Perception 43a Go up now and look toward the sea.
1.Be watchful and expectant. When we talk to God, He answers! Watch what happens next!
2.Continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving. (Col. 4:2)
H. His Persistence 43b
1.How many times should I go? As often as necessary to see the answer.
2.Can you imagine the 6 trips and he saw nothing!!
3.Elijah wasn’t answered immediately. He prayed on!
4.Illustration: an 8 year old boy was on top of a runaway log wagon. “Well, boy, what did you do?” “I prayed to God, and hung and hung on like a beaver!”
5.Why do we have to wait? That He may be gracious (Is. 30:18) It is for our good. God wants to make us…to develop us. God cannot break His word…pray on!!

Would you like to have a powerful prayer life? Two essentials:
II. THE POWER OF THE FATHER 18:44, 45
A. In God’s Time
1.And it came to pass…this is the 7th time this phrase has been used.
2.God is in control…you are not!
B. In God’s Way 44b Behold there arises a small cloud out of the sea…about the size of a man’s hand.
1.God very seldom gives us a complete answer at one time. He many times answers little by little…connect the dots of your life. It is so we can gain greater trust in Him and not the answer!
2.A note was found of the body of a Confederate Soldier: I asked God for strength that I might achieve, I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey…I asked for health, that I might do greater things, I was given infirmity, that I might do better things…I asked for riches, that I might be happy, I was given poverty, that I might be wise…I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men, I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God…I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life, I was given life that I might enjoy all things…I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for…Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am among all men most richly blessed.
3.Go to Ahab and say, Get thee down that the rain stop thee not. You haven’t seen anything yet. Seeing God at work prompts even greater faith!
C. In God’s Abundance 45
1.Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all you can ask or think according to His glorious power that works in you. (Eph. 3:20)
2.Before closing Ahab is a picture of the lost:
*He is content (41, 42), but not converted.
*He is convinced (44b-45), but not converted. He is so close and yet so far!

When we pray, we talk to God.
When we pray, He listens.
When we pray, He answers (Rom. 8:26)!