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“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”¹

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The passage from 1 Kings 18:41-46 offers profound lessons on persisting in prayer, as demonstrated by the prophet Elijah. Here are some key takeaways:

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Expectant Faith: Elijah prayed with the expectation that God would answer. He told Ahab to prepare for rain even before there was any sign of it, showing his faith in God’s promise.

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Persistence: Elijah sent his servant to look for a sign of rain seven times. This persistence in prayer shows a commitment to seeking God’s will, even when the answer is not immediate.

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Humility: Elijah’s posture in prayer—bending down to the ground and putting his face between his knees—indicates a position of humility and submission to God’s will.

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Watchfulness: Elijah prayed and then looked for the answer. He was watchful and expectant, teaching us to be attentive to God’s responses to our prayers.

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God’s Timing: The passage reminds us that God’s answers come in His perfect timing. Elijah’s repeated prayers and the eventual appearance of a small cloud signify that patience and trust in God’s timing are essential.

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Power of Prayer: Elijah’s prayers were powerful and effective. The passage illustrates that earnest prayer can bring about significant changes, as seen in the end of the drought with the coming rain.²

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As believers, our life involves much prayer. At times, we may not know exactly what to pray for or how to pray, but God is listening anytime we come to Him. Elijah’s prayer life encourages us to pray with faith, persistence, humility, watchfulness, and trust in God’s timing. When we pray according to God’s will and believe without a doubt, we will witness the great power of prayer, just as Elijah did!

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Suggested prayer: Dear God, give me unwavering faith like Elijah’s, and the humility to seek you first and obey your will. Your timing is perfect and your promises are true. Help my unbelief. Thank you for your great faithfulness that never changes. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.

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1. Mark 11:22-24 (NIV).

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2. www.sermoncentral.com

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Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.

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