There is a powerful story found in the Word of God that is referred to in James 5:17-18. It says,
Elias (Elijah) was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
(James 5:17-18)
If you go back into the Old Testament and read the actual account of the story, you will find that Elijah walked up to King Ahab and said, “It’s not going to rain any more until I say so!” Can you picture that? No more rain until I say so! What faith!
But notice what Elijah did next…he prayed! What a powerful example! There is tremendous power available to us when we pray. As Elijah declared, he also prayed, and it did not rain for three and a half years.
That’s the power of prayer! Seeing the need of divine intervention, declaring God’s will in the matter, praying for God’s will and believing until the answer comes.
That’s the power of prayer. Countless times, throughout the Word of God, there are examples of people in impossible circumstances…but they prayed…and God turned the situation around. That’s the power of prayer.
First John 5:14 promises us,
And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: And if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desire of Him.
(1 John 5:14)
We can know the will of God. We can pray for the will of God. We can see God’s will manifested upon the earth. But somebody has got to pray.
I want to challenge you to stay in God’s Word and be in constant touch with His will in every situation of your life. Then pray, pray! Follow the example that Elijah has given to us for it is a powerful example.
Your prayers can be just as important and just as powerful. Never underestimate the power of your prayers concerning God’s will upon the earth. Follow the powerful example that Elijah gave us and pray powerful prayers.
The Importance of Prayer by Dwight Thompson
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dwight Thompson has become one of the most powerful evangelists of our time. Known worldwide for his legendary ability to captivate and move an audience, he has devoted his ministry to touching the lives of all those who are lost and hurting with a message of hope, found through salvation and deliverance in Jesus Christ.
The elements that make his message unforgettable include humor, compassion, deeply rooted Biblical convictions, and unique ways of illustrating the meaning of Scriptural phrases, parables, and promises.
Dwight has traveled around the world as an evangelist, preaching to millions and leading thousands of lost souls to Jesus Christ. His crusades frequently launch long-lasting revivals. With his ability to communicate the Gospel with power and charisma, he touches countless lives.
Dwight and Zonelle have been married for 51 years and have two children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Zonelle travels nation-wide with Dwight, and she is the founder of Operation STITCHES (Saving The Inner-city Through Christ’s Hope: Eternal Salvation), an outreach to inner-city children and their families.
God has given both Dwight and Zonelle a divine love for souls. He has created within the two of them an obsession for helping people transform their very existence.
Dwight and Zonelle know the worth of just one soul and are committed to continue being obedient to the calling God placed on them over 49 years ago.
Truly, Dwight Thompson is a man with a call on his life and a commitment in his heart to reach lost souls for Jesus Christ.