This message will be the second in a series of five.  The series title “Devote yourselves to prayer” is taken from Colossians 4:2.   

Last week’s sermon highlighted:

• Prayer is petition
• Prayer is perspective
• Prayer is partnership

This week we will add:

• Prayer is simple
• Prayer is honest

Elijah alone represented God at this contest on Mt Carmel.  He was largely outnumbered by the other false prophets present.  Comparing the way these prophets prayed with how Elijah prayed is instructive for us today.  Elijah prayed simply, without fanfare, without fuss.  He knew he needed no drum or ritual to get God’s attention.  Psalm 34:15 says, “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry.”  As we pray we come simply and honestly.  It is a mistake to believe that we have to reach some expert standard before God will hear.  C S Lewis expressed it:  lay before God what is in us, not what ought to be in us.