James 5:17-18 - Someone Is Praying For You Today

Step 1: Pray. Select.

This morning, I thought about times when God works on something behind the scenes that we cannot understand. The Bible warns us that His ways are not ours; nonetheless, He does have a plan for each of us.

During my prayer time today, I was called to reflect on some of Elijah's life and miracles (or in the Greek translation, Elias) and his protege, Elisha. The passage from James 5:17-18 stood out to me.

Let’s begin our journey there today, friends.

Step 2: Write. Read. Circle

After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:

James 5: 17-18 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

Step 3: Re-Write

With a focus on the words I circled that stood out, here is the personalized sentence that came alive in my heart.

• Jennifer, Elias subject as we are, prayed earnestly, prayed again, and the earth brought forth fruit.

If you are doing this alongside me today, add your name in front of your unique sentence so the Lord can speak directly to you.

Step 4: Visualize

When I close my eyes and meditate on the words within the scripture, the Holy Spirit prompts me to focus on today; I see Elijah as an elderly man kneeling in the distance, his back to me, underneath a Terebinth Tree. I am standing across a large pasture with only low-lying grass, so the tree stands out in all its majesty.

There is a slight breeze, so the wind carries Elijah's whispering murmurs across the field to me. I cannot make out his words, but I know he is praying. I moved closer to hear his words more clearly.

I still cannot make out what he is saying, but I am afraid to intrude on this intimate moment with him and God. As I hesitated, I heard the sound of a nearby train interrupting my prayer time, which was not far from our home. It drifted by, letting me know there will always be disruptions in life. But can you stay focused on God while you pray? As I ask this question, the train noises subside, blending into the background. The Holy Spirit wants me to get closer to Elijah or Elias. He wants me to remember the miracles Elijah did in the Bible.

I walk slowly toward him. His whispers are getting louder. I am a little nervous because I still can’t hear what he says. I feel like I may not be concentrating hard enough. Given that he was able to pray against Baal and Jezebel and, through his protégé Elisha, the first recorded resurrection was performed, I am dying to know what he is praying for right now. I can’t even imagine the judgment, ridicule, or opposition he must have encountered from doubters or haters during his life. Yet Elijah and Elisha continued to pray without ceasing and prophesied until they heard God's voice, which guided them in determining their next steps and even brought people back from the dead through God's power.

A question arises, so I move to Step 5.

Step 5: Ask. Seek

The requests/questions that came to mind are:

• Holy Spirit, why am I here right now if I can’t hear what he is praying?

Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive

Here is the answer I received:

“Someone is praying for you right now. But you must have faith that it is happening. Right now! I wanted you to note Elijah's level of faith throughout all his challenges and tests. You want to hear him in your vision, but he is not concerned with you. He will pray what the LORD wants him to pray, when He wants him to pray, and what He wants him to pray, and is not concerned about you hearing the prayer. However, when Elisha went to resurrect the boy for the woman of Shunem, it took her journey to the Man of God. By her obedience and faith, she waited outside for Elisha to perform the miracle of resurrection on her son. She did not interfere. Sometimes, we must step back and let others intercede on our behalf to receive a miracle. Sometimes you are weak, but then someone comes along and says I see you, and I am praying on your behalf, and you are strong again and filled with faith. Don’t forget your instructions within the word. Where two or more are gathered, He is with you in their midst. This can be both spiritual and physical. By your faith, you shall be healed. Sometimes, the faith that someone else is praying for you is also required, even when you cannot see or hear it. You are not supposed to know what someone is praying but know God sent people in your life to pray on your behalf. Today, you must thank God that someone is praying for you and hold on tight to the miracle about to be imparted in your life.”

Step 7: Pray. Confirm

If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone.

Step 8: Share. Testify

If you used the 8-Step Prayer Practice today, we want to see how God is working in your life! You can comment below or share your miracle or testimony HERE.

Conclusion:

Friends, sometimes we are too busy analyzing how we pray or whether we are praying for the right things when we should be focused on surrendering in the process.

Do not be distracted by the enemy. Stand firm in your time with God as Elijah did.

Be excited that someone is praying on your behalf. Remember, Jesus could be that someone if you don't know anyone else. He intercedes on your behalf and joins you in your prayer time if you request coming to God through his son, Jesus, who glorifies your Heavenly Father.

Trust the LORD has put you on someone’s heart today, and all you have to do is stand in agreement that your miracle is on the way!

To God be the Glory! Pray boldly for others and yourself today, friends. Through prayer, miracles and wonders are right around the corner, if they align with God's will.

God bless you, and see you later!