September 15
The Power of
Elijah’s Prayer
James 5:16 -18
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
Daily Steps
To reinforce the necessity of persistent prayer (Day 258), this passage points to an incredible historical example. It assures the new believer that tremendous spiritual power is accessible, provided the prayer is offered in righteousness and earnest faith: The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
The peace in this principle is found in righteous power:
The Condition of Righteousness: The power of the prayer is linked directly to the character of the one praying: The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. This does not mean sinless perfection, but a genuine alignment with God's will (Day 250) and a life seeking holiness (Day 251) and integrity (Day 256).
The Human Example: The example of Elijah is given to combat feelings of inadequacy: Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He was an ordinary person with extraordinary results, demonstrating that the power lies not in the person, but in the God to whom the person prays with earnest (persistent) faith (Day 254).
The Result is Manifestation: Elijah’s persistence led to incredible, measurable breakthrough—controlling the rain for years simply through earnest prayer. This shows that when we live in dependence on Christ (Day 248) and pray with endurance (Day 257), God will manifest His power physically in the world, securing ultimate peace through His Sovereignty (Day 219).
Your peace is secured by righteous power. Embrace the Discipline of Prayer today, knowing that your prayer, rooted in Christ's righteousness and offered with earnest persistence, is just as powerful and effective as Elijah's.
Reflective Question
If Elijah was a human being, even as we are, what excuses are you using to limit the power and effectiveness of your own prayer life? What "mountain" (an immense problem or spiritual difficulty) can you commit to praying for with Elijah's earnest persistence today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my weakness and my tendency to doubt the power of my own prayers. I thank You for the example of Elijah, who was human like me. I pray for a life of righteousness and for the spiritual discipline to pray earnestly and persistently. Secure my peace today, as I claim Your promise that the prayer of Your people is powerful and effective. Amen.
