A standalone message on prayer from 1 Kings 18.
Sermon Outline
“Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.” (James 5: 17-18)
What is prayer?
- Prayer is simply two-way communication with God
- Prayer is not made so that God can find out what we need (Matthew 6:8)
What is so special about Elijah’s prayer? (Matthew 6:6)
What made Elijah’s prayer effective?
- Elijah knows who his enemy is (1 Kings 18:36-40, Ephesians 6:12)
- Elijah knows who his God is (1 Kings 18:36, John 14:6)
- Elijah prayed earnestly (James 5:17-18, 1 Kings 18:42-44)
- Elijah knows his identity in Christ (1 Kings 18:37)
- Elijah was a righteous man (James 5:16, Luke 18:9-14)
- Elijah’s prayer was specific and has a purpose (1 Kings 18:37)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Whether you are alone or with a small group, begin by asking God to speak to you and then read 1 Kings 18:16-46 & James 5:13-18 aloud.
- How successful were they in getting Baal to answer by fire?
- How many Baal prophets were there?
- Is there a difference between the prayers of Elijah and those of all other world religions? What did they do?
- God answered Elijah’s prayer and revealed Himself to Elijah and the people of Israel. What is so special about Elijah’s prayer?
- In what way has God revealed Himself? How has God revealed Himself to you in the past? In what way is God currently revealing Himself in your life that may be new and different?
- What did Elijah do after the Baal prophets failed to get an answer?
- Why do you think Elijah used so much water on his offering?
- After God answered by fire, what did the people do? (I Kings 18:39)
- Do people worship idols today? What kinds?
- After the fire contest, what did Elijah do to the prophets of Baal?
- How did Jezebel react to this news?
- Have you ever experienced a time or a season when you have cried out to God (or god) and felt “there was no response; no one answered.” (If you feel comfortable, discuss the circumstance surrounding that experience with your group).
- Have you ever experienced God move powerfully and miraculously in answered prayer? Discuss the circumstances surrounding that experience with your group.
- Read James 5:13-18. What is “the prayer of faith” of which James speaks in v. 15? Is there anything special or different about this prayer than others?
- What have you already learned from James about prayer that informs our understanding here?
- Read James 5:15. Ask, “What promises are made in this verse?” Find the three promises in these verses. Explain that the “prayer of faith” is the prayer that is asked by one believing that God will heal. Then read James 1:6-8, 4:3, Matthew 6:10, & John 14:13.