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 (witchcraft & obeah).

Like my sister always say, "God and I are the majority"! 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.

Yes, you must have faith in order to pray with authority. This kind of faith comes from knowing God’s Word and a relational knowing of who God is. God puts His Word above His Name. Why? He puts His signature to back up everything He says! In giving us His authority, He gives us permission to speak His Word; to declare a thing and it shall be established (Job 22:28). As Believers, we have been given keys to the Kingdom of heaven to use in prayer, especially if it's two or three of us agreeing…“Whatever you bind (disallow) on earth, it will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose (allow) on earth, it will be loosed in heaven” (Matt. 16:19). Do you understand nothing is impossible to them that believe (Mark 9:23)?

“Many Christians simply did not understand or believe in the real power of prayer and that few prayed with authority”, says R.A.Torrey in his book on prayer. He spoke about Elijah and how “astounding things” were “brought to pass by his prayers.” At his word, the heavens were closed (bound). Only at his word were they opened (loosed) again. God backed up the words of Elijah, His prophet because he spoke in God’s authority, not his own.

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!

What astounding things are you praying for today? 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’s already given you. Believe that prayer changes things. Don’t limit your prayers or feel intimidated. Believe God for “astounding things” today. Shabbat Shalom!

Father, I commit these needs to You: _____. Thank You for the answers! All things are possible with You and because I believe. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.