Not a Superhuman Prophet

Elias 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)

Sometimes, it’s easy to place the figures of Scripture—both men and women—on a pedestal, thinking they were somehow holier, stronger, or more spiritually powerful than we are. However, that isn’t accurate. James reminded us that Elijah wasn’t a superhuman prophet. Like us, he was a man with emotions, struggles, and weaknesses. He faced frustration, discouragement, and even fear at times. Nevertheless, despite the human issues that tried to hinder him, his prayers consistently yielded supernatural results. Why? James tells us it was because he prayed earnestly.

Elijah didn’t merely pray casually—he prayed with sincere expectation. His prayers changed the weather for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, God opened the heavens, and rain poured from the sky. If Elijah’s prayers could alter the weather patterns, how much more can our prayers affect the situations surrounding our lives, our families, our workplaces, and the world?

God moves on the earth because His people ask Him to. While there is a sovereign will of God, much of what happens in our world comes from people praying or not praying. Just as Elijah’s prayers influenced the climate, we, too, have the authority to pray for our families, cities, nations, and even natural disasters. When we pray with faith and power, we partner with God to bring about change in our world.

We must not stop praying about something when we see a small breakthrough; we need to continue pressing in, moving forward, and trusting in the fullness of God’s promise. Prayer is not a one-time action; it’s a lifestyle.

Practical Application

Don’t just say words; pray with passion, faith, and expectation. Speak to your storms, both literal and metaphorical. Declare the Word with passion and power and expect God to work behind the scenes to accomplish His will.

1 Kings 17:1; Luke 4:25

Powerful Prayer

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:14-16)

James wrote to believers, informing them that if someone close to them was ill, they shouldn't face the battle of faith alone. Instead, James advised them to first reach out to the church elders. These leaders within a congregation are called and trained to pray for and anoint the sick with oil in the name and authority of Jesus. This is not just a religious spectacle; it is a powerful act of agreement, faith, and obedience that demonstrates to the world that healing is not merely a medical issue; more profoundly, it is a spiritual one.

Please note that it’s not just prayer that brings results. Many chaplains and religious groups pray for sick or dying individuals, yet often nothing changes. The prayer that brings results is the prayer of FAITH! Faith activates God’s healing power, and as James wrote, Jesus responds to a prayer of faith and restores the sick to health. The phrase “effectual fervent” is key here. Effectual prayers are grounded in God’s Word; fervent prayers are passionate, heartfelt, and full of faith. These types of prayers exert force, produce results, and lead to breakthroughs!

As James completed his thought, he revealed a profound truth: along with God’s physical healing, He also wants us healed in our minds. God cares deeply about our bodies, spirits, and souls. Complete healing also requires being open and honest with those in our lives.

That is why James instructed Christians to “confess their faults one to another.” Note that the Scripture does not say to confess our “sins” to each other. You don’t need to confess your sins to everyone in your life. Confessing faults involves acknowledging our struggles, weaknesses, or areas where we need prayer and accountability.

Practical Application

Believers are called to intentionally pray for others. Avoid falling into the trap of saying, “I will pray for you,” without actually doing it. Pray with purpose and passion. Your effective, fervent prayer makes a difference!

Genesis 20:17; 1 Kings 13:6

All Men to Be Saved

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1 Timothy 2:3-6)

God’s heart desires that everyone be saved. Salvation is not limited by a person’s nationality, culture, or background. God’s will is for each individual, regardless of color or race, to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

What is the truth we want them to understand? It's exactly what Paul wrote to Timothy: there is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus Christ. He alone is the mediator between God and humanity, having given Himself as a ransom for all mankind. No other world religion, philosophy, or belief can bridge the gap between God and man—only Jesus can do so.

In light of this revelation, we must remember the impact our prayers have on others as they choose to accept God’s gift. When we intercede for our loved ones, leaders, and nation, we partner with God's heart for redemption. Our prayers will contribute to God's movement worldwide.

Did you know that China is home to the fastest-growing church in the world? There, preaching the full Gospel is illegal. Why is this occurring? Christians worldwide have been praying and interceding for them.

Currently, Hindus are the largest group of people in the world who do not know Jesus as Lord. With over 400 million Hindus still needing to hear and understand the Gospel, we should see this as a call to pray. What should we pray for exactly? That their eyes of understanding may be opened, allowing them to recognize the love of God and to follow Him.

Practical Application

Today, pray for the areas where the Gospel is suppressed or persecuted, such as China and India. Intercede for the leaders in those regions. Pray that they encounter the Lord, remain open to the truth of the Gospel, and seek God’s favor on the underground church.

Ezekiel 18:23; Titus 2:11