Prayer, a Privilege!Sample

An impossible prayer?

“When he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree. Then he requested for himself that he might die ” (1 Kings 19:3-4 WEB)

Do you dare say to God anything that comes to your mind? Elijah, the man we read about today, had quite enough. He had seen God's power several times during his ministry (we read about this in the Bible book 1 Kings 18 and 19). Today we see a totally discouraged Elijah. God had shown, as result of his prayer, that we don't have to approach Him with a lot of clamor to be heard by Him. But after this, Elijah had to flee for his life. An exhausted prophet said to God, ‘Let me please die.' And lo and behold, he literally lay down!

God granted Elijah his sleep, provided him with food and drink. Once he regained his strength, Elijah was able to face God's next assignment. How exhausting grief, illness, opposition, threats, fear, loneliness, and worry can be. Praying is not talking to yourself to sort things out so that you can move on again. Praying is also allowing yourself to tell God how desperate and discouraged you feel. God doesn't write you off because you are worn out, don't understand Him, or are too discouraged and weak to take another step. He grants you time to catch your breath in His presence.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, that I may honestly say how I feel and find rest in Your presence.