The Effectual Power of Fervent Prayer

Two effective tools in the Christian life: the Bible and prayer.

Some tasks requires tools to get the job done.

If you’re trying to put up a picture frame with a nail, what tool will you use? A hammer.

If you’re trying to tighten two pieces of wood together with a screw what do you use? A screwdriver

As tools, they can only be effective when used for their specific purpose. And prayer is an effective tool in the Christian’s arsenal. So effective that even Paul mentions it in union with our spiritual armor by saying, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication…” (Eph 6:18)

And in this coming year, we have to be reminded of the power that is in prayer. When I studied revivals, nearly every one of them were brought about because the people prayed!

Even in the original revival: In Acts 2, before the Spirit comes and fills the room on the Day of Pentecost, the bible says that, “ All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer...” [ Acts 1:14]

God gave us a very special privilege to be able to reach out to Him in prayer. Not only for the revival of our souls but for the community at large.

For nothing shall be impossible with God.

OT Text: 1 Kings 18:41-46

Context: Elijah, a prophet of the Lord, is used mightily in the scriptures for God’s work. He has a particular ministry of confronting the king, Ahab, over his baal worship. Many Prophets in these times had addressed kings over their idolatry.

In reading about Elijah’s life, we find that he had a consistent prayer life.

Elijah prayed for the revival of a widow’s dead son, three times. (1 Kings 17:17-24)

Elijah prays for fire to come down from heaven. (1 Kings 18:37-39)

Elijah prays for rain to end the drought, 7 times, and the Lord brought rain. (1 Kings 18:41-45)

Praying with Purpose

The majority of people in the bible prayed with a special result in mind. They had a purpose set behind their prayers. Some prayed for healing, some for deliverance, help and or provision.

They felt a need for something and so, they were purposed with seeking it out from the Lord.

Side narrative:

1 Sam 1 - Hannah prays with a purpose of having a child.

Praying with Persistence

In Elijah’s ministry, we find that he prayed constantly until he got the result he was looking for. If it didn’t work once, he tried again, and again and again. See the story of the widow’s son and praying for rain.

Elijah prayed for rain 7 times.

Side narrative:

Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow

Praying with Patience

To be persistent is to keep going at something but when one is patient, one has the confidence that you’ve been heard and now you wait.

This is where some people fail because people want God to move according to our schedule, and timing. We have a habit of wanting to see things fast and received things in a hurry. Our modern culture has not made this any better. With Amazon Prime, you can get a a package in 2 days. With drive-thru, you can get a full meal in less than 5 minutes!

We have to trust in God and have patience with the process and progress.

Side scripture:

Psalm 40:1-4 David receives deliverance after patiently waiting prayerfully.

Key Element In Prayer: Faith

In the Word, I noticed that prayers that were answered in due season, when done in faith. Faith is the driving force behind purposeful, persistent and patient prayer.

There was no sign of dull prayers or, “well, maybe the Lord will answer it, I don’t know...”

Side Scripture:

Matt 17:14-20

NT Text: James 5:14-18

It’s Been Done Before: Elijah, A Man With A Nature Like Ours

Let us focus and end with this scripture from the NT: James 5:17