Prayer to our Father - 5.16.2021

Elijah VS Sons of God

1 Kings 18:20-40

Ask to compare the prophets of Baal did and Elijah’s actions

the manner in which they called on their god VS Elijah

works (26, 28-29 - limped, yelled, cut themselves, raved) VS faith (V. 37 I have done all things according to your word)

the manner in which the gods responded vs God

silence of Baal (no response) VS answer (real God)

what does this say about God?

He is real

He hears prayer

He is in connection to people and responds to them based on faith (V. 36 - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob…I am your servant)

Elijah is an example of Prayer to us

English Standard Version Chapter 5

17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

God heard his servant - Amazing isn’t it?!

We Have Something Better

John 1:11-13 - made children of God by faith

Galatians 4:4-7

Romans 8:14-17

we are called heirs, not servants

a servant doesn’t receive an inheritance, a son does

a servant doesn’t receive the same audience with a father that a son does

so if Elijah, a servant, is used as an example of prayer for us, how much more should we interact with, commune with and pour out prayer to God, when he is our Father?

Highlight Matthew 6 and Encourage them to read/do it

Matthew 6:1, 3-4

Matthew 6:5-9, 14-15

Matthew 6:16-18

Matthew 6:25-34

So as we go into our day/week, I pray this will encourage us that:

we have a relationship with God as Father to Son

we have a Father whose ear is open to us and who we call an affectionate name - this is a good relationship

We can bring all of our needs to him

Elijah has nothing on what God has provided us through his son Jesus!

Let’s draw near to our father through Jesus