Elijah Prayed Again James 5:18

As James encouraged the people within the “twelve tribes scattered abroad” to “confess” their “faults” to each other and “pray for one another”, he told them “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much”. James employed “Elijah” as his example of “fervent” prayer as he referred to when “Elijah” prayed and “it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months”. In chapter five and verse eighteen of his letter, James shared how “Elijah” had additional results when he “prayed again” where we read:

And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain,

And the earth brought forth her fruit.

The verse begins, “And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain,...” James began with the words, “And he” which refers to Elijah “prayed again” or “offered prayers, supplicated and worshipped”, “and the heaven” which refers to “he vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it and the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings” “gave rain” which means “granted, supplied and extended a showering rain and moisture”. Elijah's “fervent prayer” produced a “shower” when he applied it again.

The verse goes on to say, “And the earth brought forth her fruit.” James continued, “And the earth” or “land, ground and main land” “brought forth” which means “sprouted, bud, produced and put for the new leaves” “her fruit” or “vines, effects, advantageous and profitable posterity”. The result of the “showering rain” was the “ground” brought forth “abundant fruit” upon it..

When we think through these words of James, we see another example and demonstration for “effective and fervent prayer”. We must follow the Lord Jesus' instruction for prayer when we find ourselves and others in difficult circumstances. The Holy Spirit of God knows and listens to a person who is truly diligent and purposed in prayer, and if we are ever to see answers to prayer like “Elijah” we must emulate his example and completely pour our hearts out to God.

Next time James shares what happens when we “err from the truth”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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