But we shall never have power in prayer while we give way to an evil heart of unbelief, or fraternize with religious hypocrites, or while we are absorbed with the things of time and sense. Faith, fidelity and spirituality are necessary qualifications. In answer to the intercession of Elijah the heavens were shut up for three years and a half, so that it rained not at all. This teaches us that the supreme motive behind all our supplications must be the glory of God and the good of His people the chief lessons inculcated by Christ in the family prayer. It also teaches that there are times when the servant of God may request his Master to deal in judgment with his enemies.
Drastic diseases call for drastic remedies.
There are times when it is both right and necessary for a Christian to ask God to bring down His chastening rod on His backslidden and wayward people. But there is a brighter side to the efficacy of Elijah s intercession than the one contemplated in the preceding paragraph. Man s extremity is indeed God s opportunity to show Himself strong on our behalf. Ah, that is so important, though generally overlooked. Christian parents reading this chapter are most desirous that their children should be saved, and pray daily for that end.