During his hazardous career, Evel Knievel attempted to jump his motorcycle over 13 double-decker buses, a tank of sharks, 52 wrecked cars, and a box of rattlesnakes. He miscalculated often and spent beaucoup time in the hospital. Before each stunt, however, he prayed, “God, take care of me. Here I come . . .”
I wonder if Elijah whispered something similar before his showdown with Baal. He pretty much destroyed the idea that prayer is a dull, semi-wimpy activity. But, how many of us still pray out of obligation because we’ve filed prayer under “B” for boring?
Prayer can involve adventure! At the beginning of his famous confrontation, Elijah noted, “I am the only prophet of the Lord who is left, but Baal has 450 prophets” (1 Kings 18:22). Then oddly, he ratcheted up the risk by taunting Baal’s posse and soaking with water the altar God was supposed to ignite.
Another aspect of Elijah’s high-risk prayer was that absolutely everything depended on God’s answer. Elijah said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant” (v.36). God’s reputation was on the line, as well as Israel’s spiritual fate. What’s more, Elijah knew he was a goner if God remained silent.
But Elijah knew that God would answer. His prayer was adventurous because he left the details up to God. He said, “Answer me so that these people will know that you, O Lord, are God” (v.37). Then God immediately tossed a fireball down onto the altar.
This shows what can happen when we engage in high-risk prayer. God may have called you to pursue something that will drop you to your knees in prayer. Lift your request to Him and watch for His answer.
More:
• John 16:24
• Ephesians 6:18
Keneld on April 17, 2009 at 5:30 am
High Risk Prayer ………I love it Thanks for allowing God to speak through you this morning……..Please pray that I will have faith to wait on him…….Thanks again
ladybeth366 on April 17, 2009 at 7:48 am
I just discovered the “tag cloud” this morning and realized that today’s reading is related to God’s Power. My daughter’s 26th birthday is today and I remember that precious day as if it were yesterday. The days between then and now (9,490) have been a little foggy as there were many mountain tops and valleys between us. God was always right there. I pray for she and I to experience the Power of God today, to bring us closer spiritually, and emotionally as the years tumble by so rapidly now.
jennifer benson schuldt on April 19, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Praying for our children is such a critical mission! It’s important, no matter how old they get. I still call my mom and ask for prayer sometimes, and I’m 34 years old! 🙂
pshdsa on April 17, 2009 at 9:13 am
This is the confidence we have in God, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. Is anything too difficult for the Lord? He is the God of all flesh; besides Him there is no other. With God all things are possible. He so loved us that He spared not His son. So if He went to that length in His love for us, how is it that we don’t believe Him when the dark clouds obscure His face? It is because we are no better than His disciples. Why did you doubt oh you of little faith? Have faith in God. Thanks be to God who doesn’t leave us in this condition. Abide in Christ and the fruit of faith will grow.
dianalovesjesus2 on April 19, 2009 at 3:35 am
“God may have called you to something that will drop you to your knees in prayer.” I loved it when I read this!! ….because I was on my knees over His most recent call to service. I was beginning to despair…..when He reminded me that my job was to give the burden back to Him…..and watch what He would do! My job was to pray, and be available to Him….that was all. How simple can it get! ….so simple that I could miss it! ;o) I love this site! God bless you all abundantly!
jennifer benson schuldt on April 19, 2009 at 12:57 pm
As you said, sometimes it is as simple as getting down on our knees and asking God to help us-even when it comes to serving Him. I love this saying: “Where God guides, God provides.”
“Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” –Matthew 11:28