“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” - (Heb 4:16)
Elijah understood God's heart and he knew that prayer moved God's hand. His prayers were bold and earnest. (Jam 5:17) And when God moved on his behalf the results lasted for generations!
As A Result Of Elijah's Prayers
1. Revival was ignited
(1 Kg 18:39) When the people saw God answer by fire, they immediately began to praise God. Elijah’s dramatic confrontation with the false religion not only discredited it, but sparked revival throughout the nation with signs and wonders accompanying.
2. Principalities were cast down
(1 Kg 18:40) The demonic Baal religion was broken over Israel that day. Like the angelic behind-the-scenes battle we see in Daniel 10, we can imagine the heavenly host casting down actual demonic powers from their influence over Israel. The Devil only has power over those who choose to believe his lies. When we pray like Elijah, we too can bind the enemy and break his hold on individuals and whole nations.
3. Laborers are added to the vineyard
Matt 9:36 says, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to thrust forth laborers into the harvest. The harvest is great, but the laborers are few!” How are we going to see more and more workers involved in God's work? By praying the Elijah kind of prayers! Elijah prayed effectively and fervently and as he prayed Elisha began to follow him. But not only that, schools of the prophets also began to spring up. Elijah's example fueled the call for many to be a part of what God was doing.
4. God blessed the land
Gen 12:2-3 The gospel is good news - God wants to bless the world. Where else can mankind look - everyone else is out for what they can get? We can go into our neighborhoods and pray for people and see salvation, healing, deliverance, and positive change. (Mark 16:16-20) The prayer of faith will save the sick - Elijah brought back to life the son of the widow of Zarephath. Elijah prayed for rain and the whole nation was blessed. When the church prospers, society as a whole prospers with it.
5. A Standard Was Raised Up
Isaiah 59:19 The effect of a righteous man's prayers are they cause righteousness to prevail. From one man we find many of our great prophets: Jeremiah, Haggai, Isaiah, Amos. They were all fruits of Elijah's Bible school, and some were in Elisha's school after he took over from Elijah. They continued to keep righteousness prevailing in Israel. The effect was felt for generations.
The Church must not fail at prayer! Prayer is the weapon of our warfare! If we fail to pray, we forfeit our ability to be able to reach the heart of God and move the hand of God on behalf of hurting humanity; our friends, families, and children will be lost, and our cities will become like Sodom and Gomorrah.
Yours for the Restoring Fire of God in our Generation!
Dr. George Hill,
Founder and President of Victory Churches International
www.victoryint.org