The prayer of Elijah at Mount Carmel teaches us a lot about effective prayer. When we look at all the parts of the prayer, we understand why God answered as fast as He could. What was in Elijah’s prayer that brought about such a spectacular response from God?
If Elijah could make such prayer and God answered instantly, we could too. God has no favorites. If He accepted the prayer of Elijah, He will definitely accept ours.
We can pattern our prayers after that of Elijah:
“And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.“ – 1 Kings 18:36-37 KJV
How to Pray Like Elijah
The prayer of Elijah was very powerful. It brought instant answers right in front of the people. Both the ignorant Jews and the prophets of Baal knew that it was no ordinary prayer. We can follow the pattern of Elijah’s prayer. Here are some useful samples:
Prayer for Sinners
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, You are the God who provided salvation through your Son Jesus Christ. You also called me to pray and preach to sinners. In obedience to your command, I pray for _______ who is still unsaved. Hear my prayer for his/her conversion. Turn his/her heart to You and make them experience the salvation that Christ already paid and secured for them. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer for the Sick
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, You provided healing and health through the death of Christ. You also called me to tell others of your power to heal and restore all forms of health. I pray for _____ who is sick in the body or in the mind. Hear my prayer, and let them know that you’ve already healed them the day Jesus Christ paid the price on the cross. Make them experience this healing and health in their bodies to know that You are God. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer for Revival
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Do something today to make your people know that You still are their God, and they are your people. Hear my prayer for revival and this need of your people. Send a great revival that will awaken your people from spiritual slumber. Make them all know that You exist and are interested in their spiritual lives. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer for Son or Daughter
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Reveal yourself to my son or daughter _______. Open his/her eyes to know you and to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. As expected of a Christian father, I pray for their salvation. Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give my son/daughter the freedom that comes from repentance and forgiveness. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.
Read also: Powerful Family Prayers