“So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. 21 Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” 1 Kings 18:20 NIV
“At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. 39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!” 1 Kings 18: 36-39 NIV
God of burning flame,
Maybe it was the need to think about putting on the central heating that makes me think of lighting fires. I wish I still had an open fire – but without the faff of lighting, the mess and pollution! Elijah faced His nemesis, Ahab and gave the choice, God or Baal. God’s fire fell and burned up all on the altar at Elijah’s request. People bowed their knee to God. But those who did not, the ones who served Baal were put to death. Seems severe and final with no second chances.
Every day we make choices. To allow the fire of the Holy Spirit to burns up our mistakes and sin and leading us. There we always be those who will not bow their knee to You. We continually pray, especially for our family and friends, that You will soften their hearts and give them a second chance..
Miraculously, Your fire could not be dampened or put out. Thank You that today Your Holy Spirit persists with those who have been drenched by the world and satan’s lies. Let us see Your salvation in these days.
In Jesus name we pray Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of burning flame,
For our close family. Your love showing the way.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our fellowship, ministers and congregations.
Those we have been asked to pray for by church or friends.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). Royal reconciliations.
For Parliament and the upholding of all that is good and right.
For Ukraine and Russia.
For Gaza, all around the Middle East.
We long to see a way for peace for both areas. Holy Spirit work miracles.
For those developing new vaccines for Covid, the flu and those delivering them.
For schools and universities. For young hearts to hear Your plan for their lives for good.
For our homeless people and those who provide help. Those who have run away from harm.
For us to know You are here. To not be anxious but present our requests to You, God. To let Your peace, which passes understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 27th September 2024
Old hymn different tune which revived it for another generation. God of Elijah send the fire . . .
Thou Christ of burning, cleansing flame,
Send the fire!
Thy blood-bought gift today we claim,
Send the fire today!
Look down and see this waiting host,
Give us the promised Holy Ghost,
We want another Pentecost,
Send the fire today!
God of Elijah, hear our cry:
Send the fire!
To make us fit to live or die,
Send the fire today!
To burn up every trace of sin,
To bring the light and glory in,
The revolution now begin,
Send the fire today!
‘Tis fire we want, for fire we plead,
Send the fire!
The fire will meet our every need,
Send the fire today!
For strength to ever do the right,
For grace to conquer in the fight,
For power to walk the world in white,
Send the fire today!
To make our weak hearts strong and brave,
Send the fire!
To live a dying world to save,
Send the fire today!
O see us on thy altar lay
Our lives, our all, this very day,
To crown the offering now we pray,
Send the fire today!
Lyrics: William Booth
New Tune: Lex Loizides