READ 1 Kings 17
After Elijah prophesies drought, the Lord hides him and later uses him to heal a child.

INSIGHT
Drought is a devastating natural disaster, and when it comes to the children of Israel, it
does not come by accident. It is divine judgment. From the beginning of his reign, Ahab,
who is king when Elijah begins his ministry, violates the Lord’s name. He encourages
idolatry and the worship of Baal, a pagan god. He “did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him” (1 Kings 16:30). Elijah’s name means “Jehovah is my
strength,” and the Lord sets about to prove the significance of Elijah’s name as He
brings judgment on Israel and destroys the worshipers of Baal.

PRAYER
The Lord longs to bless us. Offer Him your praise for His goodness and mercy:
Let the whole earth tremble before him.
The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice,  
And let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
His faithful love endures forever.
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel  
From everlasting to everlasting.
Then all the people said, “Amen” and “Praise the Lord”
(1 Chronicles 16:30-31, 34, 36).

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Then Samuel said:
Does the Lord take pleasure
In burnt offerings and sacrifices
As much as in obeying the Lord?
Look: to obey is better than sacrifice,
To pay attention is better than the fat of rams
(1 Samuel 15:22).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Therefore, there is now no condemnation  
For those in Christ Jesus,    
Because the law of the Spirit of life  
In Christ Jesus has set you free
From the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• The renewing of your mind
• The needs of your extended family
• Your activities for the day

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Bless the Lord, all his armies,
His servants who do his will.  
Bless the Lord, all his works
In all the places where he rules.  
My soul, bless the  Lord!
(Psalm 103:21-22).