History being made began with a treacherous king and a man of God brave enough to pray publicly.

The Old Testament account in 1 Kings 18 records King Ahab of Israel being confronted by the prophet Elijah about the reason for his nation’s devastating 3 1/2-year drought. This was a direct repercussion of the king forsaking God’s commandment and following the idol Balaam. The exchange between Ahab and Elijah climaxed with an agreement that the idol worshipers and priests would pray to Balaam and Elijah would pray to God Almighty. Whoever answered by fire would be the true God. After hours of prayer, cutting themselves and weeping, the Baal worshippers received no answer.

At God’s command, Elijah repaired an altar and saturated it three times over with multiple barrels of priceless water. Elijah’s 63- word prayer was made. He did not ask for notoriety or financial gain, simply that hearts would be turned back to know the living God.

THE FIRE FELL! With one voice they all proclaimed, “The Lord, He is God!”

The blessing for their awakening to the truth returned in the form of abundant rain.

We just celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus Christ when every Christian proclaimed, “The Lord, He is God!” One of the phenomenal happenings at the Resurrection occurred when the veil of the temple was torn in two, signifying that because of Christ’s sacrifice, we now have direct access to the Almighty.

Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Even though these events happened in the past, the principles still work today. As we pray, simply talk to God. He will alter the history of our lives, our communities and our nation.

This year the National Day of Prayer will be celebrated on Thursday, May 7, at noon at the Brunswick Town Mall Gazebo. It will afford us the opportunity to meet in prayer when we will see our “63-word prayers” change history once again.

BRENDA CROSS is co-pastor of Gospel Light Fellowship in West Bath.