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‘Then he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried out to the Lord, ‘O Lord my God, let this child’s life come into him again.’ 1 Kings 17:21

Trust in Times of Crisis:

In the heart of the Old Testament we find Elijah living at a time when faith was challenged in a land often far from the presence of God. But Elijah stood firm, and his story draws us into the transformative power of prayer as he faced the heart-wrenching plight of a grieving mother.

Imagine the devastation following the wildfires that swept through Los Angeles (United States) in January. Thousands found themselves in despair, their lives in ashes. What could be more distressing than losing home, livelihood, and hope? Similarly, Elijah encountered a widow gripped by the desolation of her child’s death. Yet, amidst this turmoil, his response was not of despair but of fervent prayer, believing in God's power to restore life.

Elijah's profound relationship with God was marked by exceptional trust. He approached God with boldness, reflecting a heart steadfast in prayer. His passionate plea for the widow's son teaches us that prayer is not just a ritual but a lifeline connecting us to God's immeasurable grace and power. Witnessing the child's revival, we see a miracle born out of deep faith, emphasising God's faithfulness and sovereignty.

To walk in Elijah’s footsteps means adopting a faithful and expectant prayer life. Each day, one may pause to converse with God, laying burdens and hopes before Him with honest surrender and trust. In those moments, the seeds of faith grow, enabling us to see beyond our struggles.

A prayer is more than words; it is the heart's posture before a mighty God. As we learn from Elijah’s example, let our prayers be simple yet bold, trusting in the One who listens and holds all power.

Let us pray: Gracious God, inspire us with Elijah's faith, teaching us to pray boldly and trust fully in Your power. Amen.

The Revd Cornelius Ashgar, Assistant Curate, St Laurence’s & St Peter’s, Chorley.