Power Through Prayer

By David Woods

Open: Whose prayers do you like to listen to the most?

Read 1 Kings 18:25-29

Discussion: How would you describe Elijah's attitude in these verses?

Discussion: How could Elijah have such courage and/or faith?
(A possible answer might be that God had directed him to make this challenge.)

Discussion: Would you say you have the same courage and/or faith that Elijah possessed?

Discussion: How do you think Elijah developed such faith?
(Obedience to God, regular prayer, having to depend on God frequently in his past)

Read 1 Kings 18:30-35

Discussion: What is the spiritual significance of repairing the altar?
(Repairing the altar is symbolic of revival.)

Discussion: For what great cause did Elijah arrange for this challenge?
(He was attempting to lead the people back to God - revival.)

Discussion: Do you think the greatness of Elijah's cause had anything to do with his great faith?  Why or why not?
(Opinions may vary concerning this question.  It is my opinion that the importance of his cause did have something to do with his great faith.  I am not suggesting that faith is created only from great need.  However, I think the righteousness of his actions and his desire to see God act played a part in his faith.  Really, his faith was the natural result of his cause.  God had sent him on this mission.  Elijah's faith was just part of fulfilling that mission.)

Discussion: Do Christians have any cause(s) today to rally behind?  What are some of these causes?
(Holiness of heart and life, winning the lost world to Christ, promoting peace and justice to all peoples throughout the world, etc.)

Discussion: Why do you think more Christians are not involved personally in such causes?

Discussion: Will the owning of a great cause or purpose in life give one extra-ordinary power?  Why or why not?
(I would say yes to a certain degree.  Knowing one's purpose in life and being consumed by that is usually one of defining characteristics of those who have done great things in life - whether good or bad.  However, seeking some great purpose in life does not guarantee God's blessing and giving of the power that can only come from Him.  Yet, if a person is consumed by a purpose given to him/her by God, watch out!)

Discussion: Why do you think Elijah drowned the sacrifice, altar, etc. with water?

Read 1 Kings 18:36-37

     I think it should be noted from Elijah's prayer that powerful prayers are not necessarily long, flowery prayers.  In fact, the shortness of this prayer leads me to ask another question:

Discussion: Would you say God sent fire in answer to just this one prayer of Elijah or was this prayer the final plea of a largely unheard prayer by Elijah?
(This could be debated, however, I would assume that Elijah had been praying for God's help for some time before.  I would even assume that God's direction to issue this challenge came through Elijah's prayer to God.)

Discussion: What is the source of power in prayer?  Does it have something to do with us, or is it of God?
(The source of power in prayer is God.  However, we do play a part - as we are the ones who pray to Him.  Those who have developed a close relationship to God, overall, are those who appear to experience more of God's power in prayer.)

Big Idea: The person consumed by God's agenda experiences God's power.