Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, rain is often seen as a blessing from God, essential for the sustenance of life and the prosperity of the land. The act of praying for rain is deeply rooted in the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over nature and His provision for His people. Throughout the Scriptures, there are instances where prayer for rain is depicted as an act of faith and dependence on God.One of the most notable examples of praying for rain is found in the account of Elijah. In 1 Kings 18, after a prolonged drought in Israel, Elijah prays earnestly for rain. The narrative describes how Elijah, after confronting the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, goes up to the top of the mountain to pray. He sends his servant to look toward the sea seven times, and on the seventh time, the servant reports a small cloud rising from the sea. This small cloud eventually brings a heavy rain, ending the drought. Elijah's prayer is a powerful demonstration of faith and God's responsiveness to the prayers of His righteous servants. James 5:17-18 in the New Testament references this event, highlighting Elijah's fervent prayer: "Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops" . This passage underscores the effectiveness of righteous prayer and encourages believers to pray with faith. In Deuteronomy 11:13-14, God promises the Israelites that if they faithfully obey His commandments, He will provide rain for their land in its season: "So if you carefully obey the commandments I am giving you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, then I will provide rain for your land in season—the autumn and spring rains—that you may gather your grain, new wine, and oil" . This conditional promise links obedience to God with the blessing of rain, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and His people. The prophet Zechariah also speaks to the importance of seeking God for rain. In Zechariah 10:1, the people are encouraged to ask the Lord for rain in the time of the spring rain: "Ask the LORD for rain in the season of spring rain. The LORD makes the storm clouds, and He will give them showers of rain and crops of the field for everyone" . This verse highlights the necessity of turning to God in prayer for the needs of the land, recognizing Him as the ultimate provider. In the broader biblical narrative, rain is not only a physical necessity but also a symbol of spiritual blessing and renewal. The act of praying for rain is an expression of trust in God's provision and a reminder of humanity's dependence on the Creator for both physical and spiritual sustenance. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 8:35,36When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against you; if they pray toward this place, and confess your name, and turn from their sin, when you afflict them: Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 6:26,27 Library Answers to Prayer. Elijah, the Praying Prophet Selfishness and Prayer. A Contrast. God Sent Rain from Heaven for Marcus Aurelius C??sar in Answer to ... The Objects of Prayer Prayer --The Forerunner of Mercy Answer to Objections: Signal Instances of Prayer Samuel, the Child of Prayer Triumphant Prayer Efficacy of United and Faithful Prayer. Resources What does it mean that the Word of God will not return void? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the canopy theory? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal? | GotQuestions.org Rain: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rain of Christ in the Communication of his Graces Rain of the Doctrine of Faithful Ministers Rain: (Destructive) of a Poor Man Oppressing the Poor Rain: (Destructive) of God's Judgments Rain: Answer to Prayer For, Promised Rain: Canaan Abundantly Supplied With Rain: Contingent Upon Obedience Rain: Designed For: Making Fruitful the Earth Rain: Designed For: Refreshing the Earth Rain: Designed For: Replenishing the Springs and Fountains of the Earth Rain: Divided Into: Overflowing Rain: Extraordinary: After Long Drought in Ahab's Reign Rain: Extraordinary: After the Captivity Rain: Extraordinary: During Wheat Harvest in the Days of Samuel Rain: Extraordinary: Plague of, Upon Egypt Rain: Extraordinary: Time of the Flood Rain: Forty Days of, at the Time of the Great Flood of Noah Rain: Frequently Withheld on Account of Iniquity Rain: God Causes, to Come Down Rain: God Exhibits Goodness in Giving Rain: God Exhibits Greatness in Giving Rain: God Sends Upon the Evil and Good Rain: God should be Feared on Account of Rain: God should be Praised For Rain: Impotence of Idols Exhibited in not Being Able to Give Rain: Miraculously Caused by Elijah Rain: Miraculously Caused by Samuel Rain: North Wind Unfavorable To Rain: Not Sent Upon the Earth Immediately After Creation Rain: Occasioned by the Condensing of the Clouds Rain: Often Impeded Travelling in the East Rain: Often Succeeded by Heat and Sunshine Rain: Promised in Due Season to the Obedient Rain: Rainy Season in Palestine is in the Ninth Month, Corresponding to December Rain: Storm and Tempest often With Rain: The Appearance of a Cloud from the West Indicated Rain: The Earth Will Never Again be Destroyed By Rain: The Former, After Harvest, to Prepare for Sowing Rain: The Lack of Causes the Earth to Open Rain: The Lack of Dries up Springs and Fountains Rain: The Lack of Occasions Famine Rain: The Lack of Removed by Prayer Rain: The Latter, Before Harvest Rain: The North Wind Drives Away Rain: The Plague of, Upon Egypt Rain: The Rainbow often Appears During Rain: Thunder and Lightning often With Rain: Withheld for Three Years and Six Months in the Days of Elijah Rain: Withheld, in Answer to Prayer Related Terms Thunder-flames (8 Occurrences) |
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