WEDNESDAY, JULY 13
Later on, in the third year of the drought, the Lord said to Elijah,
“Go and present yourself to King Ahab. Tell him that I will soon send rain!”
1 Kings 18:1 (NLT)
GOD IS MOVED BY OUR PRAYERS: BE SPECIFIC
The late great English writer, journalist, philosopher, poet, biographer, and Christian apologetic Gilbert Keith Chesterton and several other literary figures were asked one evening what book they would prefer to have with them if they were stranded on a desert island. One writer said – without hesitation – “The Complete Works of Shakespeare.” Another said, “I’d choose the Bible.” They turned to Gilbert Keith Chesterton and asked, “How about you?” He replied, “I would choose Thomas’ Guide to Practical Ship Building.” In this instance, he was right – why? Because he needed some specific instruction! (George Dillahunty, “Prayer-A Top Priority!”)
Elijah was very specific in his prayer life. The rain had stopped because the people were worshiping Baal instead of Jehovah. Now, the Baal prophets were dead, the people had repented and had returned to the Lord God. Elijah knew it was time for the rains to return.He did not waste time on mere generalities, but he prayed in faith specifically naming the things that needed to be done. God honors this kind of praying! If you do not pray specifically, you will never know when the Lord answers your prayer! Pray specifically about the things you want to see done!
Reflection
It’s easy to get into the habit of praying the same habitual prayers over and over again. What are some prayer habits you have developed that may be generic fillers but not genuine specifics?
Praise/Prayer
Thank God for caring about the details of your life. Make a specific list of prayer requests and record when and how God answers them.
