An Ordinary Man Who Prayed

The Story

Israel had turned away from God to worship Baal, the false god people believed controlled the rain. So a prophet named Elijah walked into the palace of wicked King Ahab and announced that there would be no dew or rain until he said so.

Then Elijah disappeared. God sent him to hide by a brook, where ravens brought him bread and meat every morning and evening. When the brook dried up, God sent him to a poor widow who shared her last meal with him, and her flour and oil never ran out.

For three and a half years, not a drop of rain fell. Then, after God proved Himself on Mount Carmel, Elijah climbed to the top of the mountain, bowed down with his face between his knees, and prayed for rain. He sent his servant to look toward the sea. Nothing. Elijah prayed again. Nothing. Seven times he prayed. Finally, the servant came back: “There’s a little cloud, the size of a man’s hand.” Soon the sky turned black, and a great rain came.

Reflection