CONFIDENCE IN PRAYER

When the prophets of Baal called to Baal, they used every way they could to get Baal's attention. They called on him, then they called louder, then they cut themselves to make him take notice. They frantically called to Baal all day, from morning to night, and still they had no response. But when Elijah prayed to the LORD it only took one short, relatively quiet prayer, for God to hear and respond to Elijah.

Elijah did not need to shout or draw attention to himself. He did not need to cry to God all day or choose the right time in case God was busy else where. He did not need to offer frantic prayers or have lots of speaking. Elijah knew that his God could hear and answer prayer from anywhere, at any time, even though the prayer might be said in just a whisper for only a second. Elijah had the confidence that the LORD his God was alive and cared enough to listen to his people and to respond to their prayers.

Elijah's God has not changed, and neither has Baal. Baal still will not hear, but the LORD our God can hear us no matter how short or quiet our prayers are, wherever they are said, and whenever we say them. Let's be as confident in the LORD our God as Elijah was.

Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)]