The power of prayer

In 1 Kings 18, when Elijah who had been in hiding for three years was commanded by God to return and show himself to Ahab, Elijah went without hesitation. Elijah obeyed even though Jezebel had ordered the prophets of the LORD to be destroyed. Elijah trusted in God's sovereignty even when the worldly circumstances looked grim. 

Upon arrival, Elijah standing alone in God, challenged the false prophets of Baal and Asherah. "Call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD, and the God who answers by fire, He is God...' "" 

The false prophets of Baal "called on the name of Baal from morning until noon saying, 'O Baal, answer us.' But there was no voice and no one answered...and no one paid attention." The false prophets had a misplaced faith; therefore their prayers were futile, empty, and void of power. 

Elijah, on the other hand, knew the Lord of Hosts and Creator of the universe. Elijah prayed, 'O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, today let it be known that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and I have done all these things at Your word. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that You, O LORD, are God... Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench." 

Elijah knew God's character and His word. Therefore, he willingly humbled himself and walked in obedience. He chose to obey & come out of hiding when his life was in grave danger. Elijah put his faith in the LORD his God and not in himself. Elijah knew intimately the One who spoke this world into existence in just six days to be trustworthy, faithful, & sovereign. This same LORD God that rained fire from heaven is the same God to whom we pray. He receives our prayers, He gives voice to our prayers, and He answers our prayers. God Himself is the power in our prayers!
-Tracy Leonard
 

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