Prayer: Part II - Fervent

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. James 5:17-18 (ESV)

We often place biblical figures on a spiritual pedestal, viewing them as giants of faith far beyond our reach. But the Bible doesn't parade perfect people, and James shatters this illusion. He reminds us that Elijah was "a man with a nature like ours." Elijah wrestled with the same doubts, emotions, and weaknesses we do. What made Elijah stand out was how he prayed.

James doesn't just tell us that Elijah prayed; he emphasizes that Elijah prayed fervently. This isn't about shouting or working yourself into an emotional frenzy. Rather, Elijah's fervent prayers were a deep, passionate engagement with God. Think of it as pouring out your whole heart, holding nothing back. Elijah wasn't just going through the motions. He was seeking God's will with everything he had, aiming to bring glory to God.

Now, let's get personal. When did you last pray like that? Really pray, I mean. The kind of prayer that leaves you wrung out but filled up. It's a challenge, isn't it? To come before God totally honest, truly believing He's listening and can move on your behalf. It takes faith to keep at it, day after day. And it takes humility to seek God's purposes above our own. That's our call – to pray fervently.