READING:
One-year plan: 1 Kings 17-19
Two-year plan: Psalms 70-72, Romans 14:13-15:6
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Elijah was battling the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, and those prophets had been thoroughly unable to convince their “god” to consume the sacrifice on the altar. Elijah’s God was quite different, however – so different, so alive, so much God that He consumed the burnt offering even though it had been drenched with water. The result was that the people “fell facedown and said, ‘The Lord, he is God! The Lord, he is God!’” (1 Kgs 18:39).
Prior to the fire coming down, though, Elijah prayed a prayer that gives me pause and focus today: “Answer me, Lord! Answer me so that this people will know that you, the Lord, are God and that you have turned their hearts back” (1 Kgs 18:37). Twice the prophet pleaded with God to hear his prayers so the people would return to God and follow Him. The fire of God fell on the heels of that prayer of the prophet.
This prayer caught my attention because I am interceding these days on behalf of several friends’ adult children, all who have walked away from their faith. My heart breaks for these folks, but I trust the Lord is still changing lives around us. Thus, I keep praying, “Lord, hear me. Hear me on behalf of these adult children. Make Yourself known to them. Draw them to Yourself, and turn their hearts back to You.” Amen.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: For whom are you praying today?
PRAYER: “God, answer me. Please answer me.”
TOMORROW’S READING:
One-year plan: 1 Kings 20-22
Two-year plan: Psalms 73-74, Romans 15:7-21
MEMORIZATION VERSE (April 16-31):
“May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God. There is no other!” (1 Kgs 8:60)