God answers prayer

“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. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” James 5:17–18

Do you sometimes find it hard to believe that prayer really works? Does God actually respond to what we ask of him?

Sometimes it is hard to understand. Finite creatures having a relationship with an infinite God is never easy to understand, but God has revealed himself in the Bible, and the Bible is clear: our prayers matter, and they work.

James wants us to know this as fact. He uses the example of Elijah, one of the great prophets of God in the Old Testament. Though human as we are, he was used mightily by God. He didn’t have prayer superpowers or anything like that. But in response to his prayer, God did unbelievable things, including moving the forces of nature.

James wants us to pray big prayers of faith just like Elijah did. This gives great glory to God as it shows that we believe in his power and we are aware of our need for him. Let’s pray like that.

Read

“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13–14

• What is one thing that you’d like prayer for right now?
• Is there anything that seems too hard for the Lord, that you are scared to ask him about?

Prayer

Father, help us to pray in faith and not shrink back from believing that you can do all things. Help us to hold on in faith when it seems like you are not answering. We know that you know what is best for us. We want to trust your timing and your will. Give us the faith and the eyes to see. Hold us close through your Word. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

---