Who Are You When You Pray?: 10. Elijah

In 1 Kings 18 Elijah goes to war with His prayers to God. The Baal prophets pray to Baal using all sorts of sacrifices including their own blood, but nothing happens. Yet Elijah, full of faith, covered his alter with water and God came and consumed his offering. Spiritual Warfare is not something to be taken lightly. Elijah stood against Spiritual enemies in faith and the knowledge that God was for him and that God was with him. Spiritual warfare is not about us saying I can fight the devil and evil and wipe it all away in our own strength.

Elijah knew that the Baal worship was ungodly and not spiritually (let alone physically) helpful. We also need to know the difference between what is pure, holy and right before God and what is wrong and hurtful in His eyes. We need to ask God to teach us discernment of good and evil. Then from that stance we can come against evil and wrong as He leads us.

When praying against evil it is good to pray with other people who are wiser than you, not going in over your head. But be full of faith when you pray, just as Elijah was.

Ask God to give you courage to stand tall for goodness and godliness and to teach you how to wage war on evil.

Sara Hesbrook

2003-06-30