My dear brothers and sisters, my apologies for not delivering you a morning devotional message since I am traveling to Malaysia for an ethnographic education trip. Anyway, I will try my best to share something when I can by God’s grace. So, I just finished writing tonight and deliver it to you tonight as well. Hoping you can read it tomorrow. Today, I will talk about Elijah. I chose the title: The Power of Humble Prayer
“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” James 5:17-18
In the Bible, we learn about Elijah. He was just like us, facing the same struggles and challenges. But what set him apart was his earnest and persevering prayer. Once, Elijah prayed so fervently that it didn't rain for three and a half years. Then, when he prayed again, rain poured down, and the land became fruitful again (James 5:17, 18). Ellen White described it this way,
“The servant watched while Elijah prayed. Six times he returned from the watch, saying, There is nothing, no cloud, no sign of rain. But the prophet did not give up in discouragement. He kept reviewing his life, to see where he had failed to honor God.... As he searched his heart, he seemed to be less and less, both in his own estimation and in the sight of God. It seemed to him that he was nothing, and that God was everything; and when he reached the point of renouncing self, while he clung to the Saviour as his only strength and righteousness, the answer came. The servant appeared, and said, “Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand.” 1 Kings 18:44.” SDA Bible Commentary 2:1035.
Elijah's story teaches us important lessons about prayer. When he prayed for rain on Mount Carmel, he faced doubt and discouragement. But he didn't give up. Instead, he kept praying, examining his life, and humbling himself before God. He realized his own weakness and the greatness of God's power. And when he surrendered himself completely to God, the answer came—a small cloud appeared, signaling the coming rain.
This shows us that God listens to our prayers. When we trust His promises and persist in prayer, He will answer us. God wants us to align our desires with His will, so He can bless us abundantly. And when He does bless us, we should give all the glory to Him, recognizing His goodness and faithfulness.
Reflection Questions:
- How does Elijah's example encourage you to pray more earnestly?
- Have you ever experienced a time when God answered your prayers after a period of waiting? How did it strengthen your faith?
- What areas of your life do you need to surrender to God in prayer, trusting His timing and wisdom?
- In what ways can you give glory to God for answered prayers in your life, rather than taking credit for yourself?
- How can you cultivate a deeper dependence on God through humble and persevering prayer?
Let's reflect on these questions and strive to deepen our prayer life, knowing that God hears and answers us according to His perfect plan.
Write a comment
Amanda (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 09:08)
Thank you, I hope I can testify as to what God did for me and how He answered my prayers.
Tendai (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 09:27)
Amen, May the Holy Spirit guide us to pray earnestly
Simpson Andrew (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 09:34)
Right in time the msg strengthen my soul... Thank you Lord for the reminding msg.
Praise Hapazari (Wednesday, 08 May 2024)
I have learnt to seek God earnestly
Vincent Ackah (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 09:44)
Thanks again for your insightful messages.
But please kindly update the app Sabbath school and the Bible dictionary
Marory (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 09:47)
It takes our repentance, fervent prayer and faith to produce friuts of the Holy spirit in our life. May God help us to abide in Him for strength and guidance. Amen.
Cavel Mambo (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 10:04)
Thank you so much, this is amazing to God be the glory �
Joseph Nyangwara osoro (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 10:07)
Prayer for my family members:sick and unity
Queeno Sangma (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 10:18)
That's powerful. Let Him help us to lead a prayerful life every day. Amen.
Muhindo Bigaragara David (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 10:29)
Amen. Thanks for this awakening message appealing us for fervent prayer.
�
Maroko Elvis (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 10:42)
We serve a living God whom we call unto
Evans Nyamweya (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 10:53)
Very encouraging
May the Almighty God give us the spirit of Elijah
Ovars m.chalubika (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 10:54)
Glory be to God �
Ilisoni (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 11:47)
Amen,,,yes we really need to pray continually for the only hope is the Holy Spirit within us
Julius Ochwangi Mongare (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 12:04)
A good reminder that the difficulties we are facing is not new that even the likes of Elijah faced them. Now the difference is to seek God fervently. God bless timely message.
Emmanuel (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 12:12)
Thank you. This is inspiring
Kelera (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 12:48)
Thank you for this timely message. To God be the Glory❤️
Amelia Asimba (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 13:31)
This is the best devotion and am blessed. God has done wonders for me thru the years and I will continue to be faithful to him
Kawusu David Umaru (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 13:49)
Thank you for the timely message. Amen �
Moana Pelu (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 14:07)
This message reminds us that God is the same yesterday today and forever. Amen
Margaret (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 14:15)
Just what I needed, thank you for insightful messages
Patrick Russell (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 14:51)
Thank you. I have learnt some valuable principles here: humility, perseverance, and trusting fully on God are important to prayer and close relationship with Him.
Evelyn Bucong (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 14:58)
Thank you Lord this message i wake up for my deep sleepless prayers .i praise you and i thank you brother that God uses you to inligthen me.
Godwin (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 15:04)
I learn that God of today is same of tomorrow and always we need to pray in what we are going to do thank for your inspiration message God bless you
Elly (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 15:07)
Thank you. Reminding me to trust God and pray earnestly even my prayers are not answered. God's timing is always on time.
Dorothy Nga (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 15:13)
Thankyou so much for this wonderful message.I am blessed.❤�
Elmer Clyde (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 15:17)
thank you for this encouragement,this taught me to pray ernestly...
Itai (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 15:20)
Thank you for very powerful life story of Elijah ,indeed God answers prayers
Rayline (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 15:22)
I learn that God always listen to our prayers
Julie Wakra-ai (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 15:39)
An encouraging message. Yes, indeed PATIENCE has rewad. It pays off. Alot of us expect answers right on the spot and when nothing happens, we give up hope but Elija's story can help us to hold on in prayer for God to respond..
Thank you so much and God bless.
KelzS (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 15:41)
Powerful question.
Monica Brian (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 15:50)
Amen. To God be the glory.
Celestine (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 16:05)
God is all powerful..
Brenda (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 16:20)
This message came at the right time when my son felt at his lowest point and God answered him in this message God bless you
Jenny (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 16:29)
As long as I learn how to pray earnestly and patiently in this massage. U have a blessed trip. And thank you for your sharing �. I am really blessed this morning.
Ariane Bwetban (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 16:54)
Thank God for this powerful message
Heidy (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 17:02)
Please I want more of it every day inorder to guide and strengthen my path����
Marites (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 17:45)
Thanks
Langging Abad (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 18:08)
Thanks for sharing. He is merciful and powerful, He answers our earnest prayers���
Caree Simms (Wednesday, 08 May 2024 19:28)
Thank you, Lord God, for always standing to your words, you are amazing �
Zanele (Thursday, 09 May 2024 00:19)
Maranatha,
Thank you for the little note before the message much appreciated.
What stood out for me today is that Elijah prayed and examined himself, not only did he examine himself he also humbled himself before God. I always say God answers prayers even though he doesn't give you exactly what you asked for. He will show you something about your character that needs correction with relation to what you are asking.
God bless.
Evelyn Galaha (Thursday, 09 May 2024 01:13)
I am not really ok with my prayer life so thank you .
Marie Joe (Thursday, 09 May 2024 02:31)
This is a powerful message that help me and encourage me alot.
Amen ��
Damaris (Thursday, 09 May 2024 07:40)
Thanh you for the message, it teaches us to pray without ceasing
Imwaka Martin (Thursday, 09 May 2024 11:59)
This is a good example to us that we should not be discouraged if God don't answer our prayers immediately after praying. We should persist and take everything in his hand. One day he will answer us
Moses (Thursday, 09 May 2024 16:09)
Thanks, 've learnt to humble my self before God to get positive answer from God.
Kennedy Nelpi (Thursday, 09 May 2024 19:56)
Persistent in prayer with faith should be our priority today.
Thank you very much for sharing.
Daniel Kiago (Thursday, 09 May 2024 21:54)
Amen � indeed close examining our hearts and praying without ceasing... Journey mercies.
Ruth Laza (Monday, 13 May 2024 22:30)
Humble pray is spoken by heart and it is only heard by GOD ...I THANK GOD THE TOPIC ...HUMBLE PRAY..TO GOD BE THE GLORY..