Tags: Elijah's power, secret prayer life, fervent prayer, James 5:17 KJV, prophet Elijah, power of prayer, rain stopped, fire from heaven, spiritual strength
In the world of prophets, few stand as tall and awe-inspiring as Elijah. His very name evokes images of fire falling from heaven, rain withheld and restored, and divine encounters on mountaintops. But what was the secret to Elijah’s remarkable power? How did a man described in James 5:17 as “a man subject to like passions as we are” command such heavenly authority?
Let us open the pages of the King James Bible and uncover the secret power of Elijah—a power not born of prestige or position, but of an intimate, fervent relationship with God.
1. A Man of Like Passions—But Uncommon Prayer
James 5:17 (KJV) says:
“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.”
Here lies the secret revealed—Elijah was not superhuman. He was like us. He felt fear, discouragement, hunger, and weakness. Yet, the power that separated Elijah from others was his earnest, fervent prayer life.
His power was not in his personality but in his private prayers. He had a secret place of strength—a communion with God that gave him authority on earth.
2. Prayer That Controls the Weather
When Elijah prayed, the heavens responded. The rain stopped for three and a half years (1 Kings 17:1), and later it poured again at his word (1 Kings 18:41-45). His prayers literally changed the climate!
This teaches us something profound: prayer is not just a ritual—it is a tool that can move the hand of God. But such power comes not from casual, cold prayers. Elijah’s prayers were fervent, heartfelt, and full of faith. His prayer life was the engine of his public ministry.
If Christians today want to experience the power of Elijah, we must reclaim the power of fervent prayer.
3. Obedience in Private, Power in Public
Before the dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel, Elijah lived in hidden obedience. In 1 Kings 17, God told him to hide by the brook Cherith. There, ravens fed him daily. Later, he was sent to a widow in Zarephath, where he performed quiet miracles—multiplying flour and oil, raising the dead.
Elijah’s public display of power came after seasons of private obedience.
This is a forgotten principle in today’s world where public platform is often pursued more than private piety. Elijah’s strength was born in secret places—unknown to men but fully known to God.
4. Calling Fire from Heaven
The most iconic moment of Elijah’s ministry came on Mount Carmel. Surrounded by 450 prophets of Baal and an apostate nation, Elijah stood alone but confident. He challenged the false prophets to call fire down from heaven. When their cries failed, Elijah prayed a simple but faith-filled prayer.
1 Kings 18:36-38 (KJV) records:
“...LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel... Then the fire of the LORD fell...”
The fire fell—not because Elijah shouted louder, but because he had already touched heaven in secret. His boldness came from spiritual intimacy, not human confidence.
When the altar was consumed by divine fire, the people fell on their faces and cried, “The LORD, he is the God!” (v. 39)
This is the kind of power that changes a nation—not politics or popularity, but prophets who pray.
5. The Still Small Voice
After his victory on Carmel, Elijah fled from Queen Jezebel. Discouraged and ready to die, he went to Mount Horeb. There, God revealed another dimension of His presence—not in wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12).
Elijah’s journey reminds us that spiritual strength isn’t always loud and dramatic. Sometimes, the most powerful moments are quiet. God often works through gentle whispers rather than thunderous events.
The secret power of Elijah was not just in fire from heaven but in hearing God’s voice in the silence.
6. Passing the Mantle
The life of Elijah didn’t end in failure or obscurity. He was caught up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11), and his mantle fell upon Elisha, his disciple.
What is most significant is that Elijah’s spirit—his fervency, power, and anointing—was transferable.
This reminds us that the secret power of Elijah is not confined to one man or one time. It is available to anyone who walks closely with God.
Elisha asked for a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit (2 Kings 2:9), and God honored it. Are we willing to ask boldly and walk worthily?
7. Returning in the Spirit and Power of Elijah
Elijah’s ministry didn’t end in the Old Testament. His influence reached into the New Testament and beyond. Before Jesus came, John the Baptist was said to go “in the spirit and power of Elias” (Luke 1:17 KJV).
The spirit of Elijah is a spirit of boldness, truth, and repentance—a spirit that prepares the way for the Lord.
And in the last days, Malachi 4:5-6 (KJV) prophesies:
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD…”
Whether literal or symbolic, this points to the fact that the world needs men and women with the spirit of Elijah—courageous, consecrated, and committed.
8. How to Walk in Elijah’s Secret Power Today
So how can we, as modern-day believers, access the secret power of Elijah?
a. Develop a Secret Prayer Life
Don’t just pray in public. Build your altar in private. Seek God when no one is watching.
b. Obey God Promptly and Fully
Elijah’s strength was tied to his quick obedience. When God said “Go,” he went.
c. Trust God Completely
Whether by the brook, in the widow’s house, or on Carmel, Elijah trusted God to provide and deliver.
d. Stand Boldly for Truth
Elijah didn’t compromise, even when standing alone. Truth was more important than popularity.
e. Listen for the Still Small Voice
Don’t chase noise. Find power in stillness. Learn to discern God’s whisper.
f. Pour into the Next Generation
Elijah trained Elisha. The power didn’t die with him. Be a mentor and pass on the fire.
Conclusion: Will You Be the Next Elijah?
Elijah was not a superhero. He was a praying man, a listening man, a bold man—a man surrendered to God.
The same God who empowered Elijah is alive and ready to empower you. The fire has not gone out. The mantle still falls. And the secret place is still open.
The question is: Will you enter in? Will you unlock the secret power of Elijah in your own walk with God?
Let us return to the altars, to fervent prayers, and to bold obedience—so that our generation may once again see fire fall from heaven and know that the LORD, He is God.
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