Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently...

- James 5:17

James tells us that “Elijah was a man with a nature just like us,” and that he “prayed fervently...”

Where have all the Elijah's gone?

Elijah was a man just like us, but are we men of prayer like him? Elijah testifies to the fact that one praying man stands a majority with God.

Yet today, God is bypassing men, not because we are incompetent but because we are too self-sufficient.

It is as one saint said, “brothers, our abilities are our handicaps, and our talents our stumbling blocks.”

Elijah emerged during a time of gross idolatry. Queen Jezebel had killed God's priest and filled the land with false deities and pagan temples. Yet, from this immense darkness emerges “a man.”

God sought a man to stand in the gap; that man was Elijah. And Elijah was marked by prayer (Ezekiel 22:30). Elijah teaches us that we must be wholly dependent upon God if we want to be used by God.

Our dependence begins and ends with prayer.

There are things right now that you are not talking to God about; your marriage, your career, relationships, your health. Whatever it is, if you are not bringing it before God, it is because you think you do not need God.

If you are not consistently, perpetually praying for your marriage, it's because you believe that you do not need God to sustain your marriage.

If you are not consistently, perpetually praying for your career, your relationships, your health, it's because you've got that handled. You'll petition God for something else.

Yet, the reality is, you need God for everything. You need God for the small things and the big things. You need God for the important stuff and the trivial stuff. Weekly, daily, hourly, every breath you breathe and every step you take, no matter how small, is determined and sustained by God. Like Elijah, you need God.

If your need is that significant, how come your prayers are not? Remember, what you are not praying about, you are not trusting God with.

Your prayer today, “God, make me more like Elijah, make me more fervent in prayer.”

Press on,
Pastor Harp

As you reflect on James 5:17, use your Personalized Scripture Journal as a space to strengthen your prayer life and your personal relationship with God.

Elijah was “a man just like us,” yet his prayers were powerful. The difference was not perfection — it was persistence and faith.

Write through these prompts:

·       Do I believe my prayers truly matter?

·       Where have I stopped praying because I did not see immediate results?

·       What situation needs renewed persistence in prayer?

·       Do I approach God casually or expectantly?

·       How can I grow in consistency with Him daily?

After reflecting, write a direct prayer.

Ask boldly.
Pray specifically.
Stay honest.

Then return to this same prayer over the next several days. Let your journal become a record of faithful persistence.

Relationship deepens when you continue coming back — even before answers appear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does James 5:17 mean?
It reminds us that Elijah was an ordinary person whose persistent prayer had powerful impact.

Does this mean my prayers can be powerful too?
Yes. God responds to faithful, consistent prayer from sincere hearts.

Why does persistence matter in prayer?
Because relationship grows through repeated trust and continued dependence.

What if I feel discouraged in prayer?
Return again. Persistence strengthens faith and builds spiritual intimacy.

How can journaling strengthen persistent prayer?
Writing prayers allows you to revisit them, track growth, and see how God works over time.

How does this passage build a personal relationship with God?
It invites ongoing conversation — not one-time requests — but steady, relational trust.