Pray with Authority

“Elijah … said to Ahab, ‘As the LORD, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, surely there shall be neither dew nor rain during these years, except by my word.’”—1 Kings 17:1–2 NASB

Elijah stood all alone before King Ahab. Armies or throngs of people did not back him. In the flesh, he could have panicked, hesitated, or backed down.

Faced with similar circumstances, others might have felt afraid and helpless. They might assume that the real power was with armies and kings, the wealthy and powerful, or even the forces of darkness.

But Elijah was fearless and confident. He knew that God was sovereign and had given him real authority. He was bold enough to believe Him and step out in faith.

In his writings about prayer, R.A. Torrey taught that many Christians simply did not understand or believe in the real power of prayer and that few prayed with authority.

Writing more than a hundred years ago, he reminded readers about Elijah and how “astounding things” were “brought to pass by his prayers.” At his word, the heavens were closed. Only at his word were they opened again.

The Bible reminds us that Elijah did not have superhuman powers. His nature was just like ours (James 5:17). If his prayers had such power, so can ours!

Are you willing to pray with authority? Don’t allow doubt and disbelief to dominate your heart and mind. Trust God’s Word. Exercise the authority He already has given you. Believe that prayer changes things. Don’t limit your prayers or feel intimidated. Believe God for “astounding things.”

Reflection Question:What astounding things are you praying for today?