God Answers Prayer

17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and
for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven
gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit (James 5:17-18).

Do you sometimes find it hard to believe that prayer really works? Does God actually respond to
what we ask of him?

Sometimes it is hard to understand. Finite creatures having a relationships with an
infinite God is never easy to understand, but God has given us his revelation of himself in the
Bible and the Bible is clear. Our prayer matters and it works. God doesn’t give us a play by play
explanation for how but just that it is truly effective.

In our verses for today, James wants his audience back in his day and us today to know
that this is a fact. He uses the example of Elijah. Elijah was one of the great men of God in the
Old Testament. He was used mightily by God, but he was just as much of a human as we are.
He didn’t have prayer super powers or anything like that. James makes a point that in response
to his prayer, God did unbelievable things, like moving the forces of nature.

James wants us to pray big prayers of faith just like Elijah did. This gives great glory to
God as it shows that we believe in his power and we are aware of our need for him to big ways
and small. Let’s pray like that!

Read John 14:13-14
• What does praying “In Jesus’ name” have to do with anything?
• What is one thing that you’d like prayer for right now?
• Is there anything that seems to hard for the Lord, that you are scared to ask him? Why not go
for it?

Prayer
Our Father, help us to pray in faith and not shrink back from believing that you can do all things.
Help us to hold on in faith when it seems like you are not answering. We know that you know
what is best for us. We want to trust your timing and your will. Give us the faith and the eyes to
see. Hold us close in your word with your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.