Elijah Boldy Prays
Imagine standing before a panel of judges…
How would you rate your prayer life?
Ever feel like prayer just isn’t working—especially when it comes to things like:
That’s where the MB Mission Box Survey comes in.
It’s designed to connect the church in the West with what God is doing through Christian nonprofits around the world.
Missions Box is a labor of love, using the secular news as a tool to showcase the relevance of Christian nonprofit work and its impact around the world.
How would you rate your prayer life?
- 9–10?
- 5–8?
- 1–4?
…Or maybe even a -1 or -14?
Ever feel like prayer just isn’t working—especially when it comes to things like:
- Your marriage
- Finances
- Health
That’s where the MB Mission Box Survey comes in.
It’s designed to connect the church in the West with what God is doing through Christian nonprofits around the world.
Missions Box is a labor of love, using the secular news as a tool to showcase the relevance of Christian nonprofit work and its impact around the world.
- Among the 7 in 10 American adults who identify as Christian, a strong majority—about 76%—believe that God hears their prayers. But when it comes to how God responds, the views vary widely.
- Interestingly, 14% of those who pray say they’re not sure if God responds at all—or if He does, how He responds.
Could you be one of those who says,
"Yeah, I pray... but..."
Let me give you a word today.
Last week, I gave you two words: Quit wavering.
This week? Just one word: BOLDLY!
Boldly [in a confident and courageous way; showing earnest ways]
"Yeah, I pray... but..."
Let me give you a word today.
Last week, I gave you two words: Quit wavering.
This week? Just one word: BOLDLY!
Boldly [in a confident and courageous way; showing earnest ways]
James 5:17
Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.
Elijah prayed earnestly that it would not rain—
and it didn’t rain on the land for three and a half years.
He was a man just like us.
But he prayed.
He was a man God was raising up— a bold prophet.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.
Elijah prayed earnestly that it would not rain—
and it didn’t rain on the land for three and a half years.
He was a man just like us.
But he prayed.
He was a man God was raising up— a bold prophet.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The story here picks up from last week...
Elijah has already been through the Kerith Ravine, where he was fed by ravens—meat and bread.
He’s witnessed miracles:
He stood on Mount Carmel and saw fire fall from heaven, and the people cried out, “The Lord—He is God!”
Then Elijah gathered all the false prophets—850 in total—and they were put to death.
Now we come to the beginning of 1 Kings 18...
1 Kings 18:1
And it came to pass after many days that the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth.”
Elijah has already been through the Kerith Ravine, where he was fed by ravens—meat and bread.
He’s witnessed miracles:
- A widow’s food never running out
- A dead boy raised back to life
He stood on Mount Carmel and saw fire fall from heaven, and the people cried out, “The Lord—He is God!”
Then Elijah gathered all the false prophets—850 in total—and they were put to death.
Now we come to the beginning of 1 Kings 18...
1 Kings 18:1
And it came to pass after many days that the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth.”
The story here picks up from last week...
Elijah has already been through the Kerith Ravine, where he was fed by ravens—meat and bread.
He’s witnessed miracles:
He stood on Mount Carmel and saw fire fall from heaven, and the people cried out, “The Lord—He is God!”
Then Elijah gathered all the false prophets—850 in total—and they were put to death.
1 Kings 18:1
And it came to pass after many days that the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth.”
Elijah has already been through the Kerith Ravine, where he was fed by ravens—meat and bread.
He’s witnessed miracles:
- A widow’s food never running out
- A dead boy raised back to life
He stood on Mount Carmel and saw fire fall from heaven, and the people cried out, “The Lord—He is God!”
Then Elijah gathered all the false prophets—850 in total—and they were put to death.
1 Kings 18:1
And it came to pass after many days that the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth.”
1 Kings 18:42b-45
Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. 43 "Go and look toward the sea," he told his servant. And he went up and looked. "There is nothing there," he said. Seven times Elijah said, "Go back." 44 The seventh time the servant reported, "A cloud as small as a man's hand is rising from the sea.” So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’” 45 Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling . . .
Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. 43 "Go and look toward the sea," he told his servant. And he went up and looked. "There is nothing there," he said. Seven times Elijah said, "Go back." 44 The seventh time the servant reported, "A cloud as small as a man's hand is rising from the sea.” So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’” 45 Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling . . .
Big Idea: Bold Prayers not only change any situation but also Bold Prayers change us.
FOUR QUALITIES OF BOLD PRAYERS
1) Bold Prayers are Humble Prayers
1 Kings18:42b
Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.
James 4:6-7, 10 NLT
6 And He gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.
Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.
James 4:6-7, 10 NLT
6 And He gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.
9 Postures of Prayer
Why prostrate?
Because in ancient times, this was how you approached a king.
Fully vulnerable.
No way to defend yourself.
Totally surrendered.
It says to God:
"I am Yours—completely."
- On Your Knees
Ephesians 3:14 — “I kneel before the Father…” - In Your Bed
Psalm 4:4 — “Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still.” - Out Loud
Psalm 34:6 — “This poor man called, and the Lord heard him…” - Silently
1 Samuel 1:13 — “Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard.” - Hands Lifted
1 Timothy 2:8 — “I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands…” - Eyes Open
John 17:1 — “Jesus looked toward heaven and prayed…” - Head Bowed
Genesis 24:26 — “Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord.” - Standing
Mark 11:25 — “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them…” - Prostrate
Matthew 26:39 — “He fell with his face to the ground and prayed…”
Why prostrate?
Because in ancient times, this was how you approached a king.
Fully vulnerable.
No way to defend yourself.
Totally surrendered.
It says to God:
"I am Yours—completely."
2) Bold Prayers are Specific Prayers
1 Kings18:43 (a)
43 "Go and look toward the sea," he told his servant. And he went up and looked. "There is nothing there," . . .
43 "Go and look toward the sea," he told his servant. And he went up and looked. "There is nothing there," . . .
Remember, God wants your specific prayers.
Don't hold back—bring your heart before Him.
Don't hold back—bring your heart before Him.
- Pray for the offering — Ask God to use it for His purposes, to reach lives and expand His Kingdom.
- Pray for healing — Be specific. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual healing, bring it before Him.
- Pray for missions — Lift up those spreading the Gospel across the world, that they may be protected and effective.
- Pray for the meal — Thank God for providing and ask Him to bless it to nourish you.
Matthew 20:30-34
30 Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 31 “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them.But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 32 When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?”
33 “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!”34 Jesus had compassion for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed Him.
James 4:2(b)-3(a)
...Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss...
30 Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 31 “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them.But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 32 When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?”
33 “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!”34 Jesus had compassion for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed Him.
James 4:2(b)-3(a)
...Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss...
3) Bold Prayers are Persistant Prayers
1 Kings 18:43
"Go and look toward the sea," he told his servant. And he went up and looked. "There is nothing there," he said.
"Go and look toward the sea," he told his servant. And he went up and looked. "There is nothing there," he said.
Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.”
This number signifies completeness.
In 2 Kings 5:1-27, we see Naaman, the leper—He was told to dip in the Jordan River seven times. Six times wouldn’t do.
Luke 18:1-7
The Persistent Widow
‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ”
6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?
James 5:16
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
The value of persistent prayer is not that God hears us, but that through our persistence, we finally hear Him. It’s not about wearing God down—it’s about aligning our hearts with His.
This number signifies completeness.
In 2 Kings 5:1-27, we see Naaman, the leper—He was told to dip in the Jordan River seven times. Six times wouldn’t do.
Luke 18:1-7
The Persistent Widow
‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ”
6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?
James 5:16
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
The value of persistent prayer is not that God hears us, but that through our persistence, we finally hear Him. It’s not about wearing God down—it’s about aligning our hearts with His.
4) Bold Prayers are Expectant Prayers
1 Kings 18:44-45 (b)
...So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’” 45 Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling...
...So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’” 45 Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling...
Example: The Story of the Little Boy and the Umbrella
There was a little boy who prayed for rain. When it started to sprinkle, he was the only one to bring an umbrella—because he expected God to answer his prayer.
There was a little boy who prayed for rain. When it started to sprinkle, he was the only one to bring an umbrella—because he expected God to answer his prayer.
Elijah’s confidence came from his past experience with God.
What God has done before tells me He can and will do it again.
He is the same yesterday, today, and forever! (Hebrews 13:8)
Proverbs 3:5–6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
What God has done before tells me He can and will do it again.
He is the same yesterday, today, and forever! (Hebrews 13:8)
Proverbs 3:5–6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Elijah’s confidence came from his past experience with God.
What God has done before tells me He can and will do it again.
He is the same yesterday, today, and forever! (Hebrews 13:8)
His promises are absolutely sound, and our expectation that He will fulfill His Word is called faith.
What God has done before tells me He can and will do it again.
He is the same yesterday, today, and forever! (Hebrews 13:8)
His promises are absolutely sound, and our expectation that He will fulfill His Word is called faith.
We can expect God to do exactly what He said He would do.
2 Corinthians 1:20
20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
God’s Yes is never a maybe!
When He promises, He delivers. His Word is final, and His promises are sure.
Psalm 19:7
The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
God’s Word is not only perfect, but also trustworthy. When we align our expectations with His will, we can trust that He will answer our prayers.
Mark 11:24
24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
God’s Yes is never a maybe!
When He promises, He delivers. His Word is final, and His promises are sure.
Psalm 19:7
The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
God’s Word is not only perfect, but also trustworthy. When we align our expectations with His will, we can trust that He will answer our prayers.
Mark 11:24
24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
The Greatest tragedy in life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer.
So, Boldly Pray!
How Bold Are We?
Don’t forget, “The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness” 1 Samuel 26:23
- Who are you praying for?
- What are you praying for?
- How long will you keep praying?
Don’t forget, “The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness” 1 Samuel 26:23
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