Think Spot

Think Spot 14th January 2013

Fervent Prayer

In James chapter five there are several verses related to prayer. James is writing about the kind of praying that produces results and he gives an excellent example of an illustration of fervent prayer in the life of Elijah the Old Testament prophet. In chapter 5:17; James is talking of the fervent prayer of a righteous man who we read about in the Old Testament in the Books of Kings. Elijah the prophet was living an upright righteous life when he prayed for the cessation of rain and then for the necessity of rain in a time of famine. On both occasion the Lord answered positively. This morning I simply want to draw your attention to the words fervent and righteous. You may like to read the accounts in 1 Kings 17 through 18 to pick up the details. Powerful is the description of prayer here and we learn that much is achieved by it. Three valuable truths we may learn here concerning prayer. 1. Faith - Elijah we are told did not stop praying in the time of intense famine for the requirement of rain even when there was so visible evidence that his prayer would be answered. But It was laid on his heart by God, we believe, and so he persevered through all the doubts that might come into his mind to prevent him praying . He might well have thought “This is unreasonable it hasn’t rained for 3 years and six months what chance is there of it happening now?.” Have you felt like that about unanswered prayer for someone or something that hasn't happened for many years? Praying for a relatives conversion, a job that just hasn't come into sight? An illness that has persisted ? A money problem that just will not go away.? Relationships broken you cannot understand. Faith is VITAL in prayer. 2. Necessary -Elijah was praying for something needful, something God had promised in His Word. What was that promise? If God's people would stop worshipping idols and turn away from them and worship the One true God Jehovah the promise was that the rain would come. I know of someone who prayed for a relatives conversion for over 40 years, daily and consistently they prayed earnestly over those years. The circumstances in which the prayer was answered were painful but it happened!! God had heard the fervent prayer begun 40 years previously and now was answered. The promise in the Bible believed and acted upon was what? “God is not willing that anyone perish but that all come to repentance and faith in Christ Jesus.” 3. Consistency - Elijah watched for the answer and at the appointed time 3 years and six months to the day the rain came “The fervent prayer of a righteous man was powerful” But be warned. The Bible clearly teaches us that if we harbour unrighteous sin in our hearts the Lord will not even hear us let alone answer us. Prayer is powerful but we must not take God for granted. So be encouraged and pray on.

Joys Prayer

Gracious God and loving heavenly Father, We come to You the Almighty God and thank You so much for the relationship we may have with You because of your amazing grace! Sins forgiven and a home in Heaven to look forward to and for now a constant fellowship we may enjoy working with You in your plans and purposes for our lives. Prayer is the method you have arranged for us to keep in contact with you and to follow you. Prayer we admit is never easy especially when we do not feel like it especially when circumstances are seemingly against the answers and doubts attack our faith. We look at the circumstances rather than straight at God. Forgive us for our fears and unnecessary unbelief. Help us to be diligent in prayer with righteous living and with the constant desire to please You. Help us to search for your promises and pray according to them. In Jesus name Amen Right Mouse click to save this as an audio mp3 file

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