Awakening Faith: Hope From the Global ChurchSample

Expectant Prayer

It had been a long, hard season of drought in Zambia. If the rains didn’t come soon, the crops would fail and families would suffer.

In the middle of a leadership training, one believer stood up and said, “Let’s stop and pray.” And so the room grew quiet. Men and women bowed their heads, calling out to God for mercy. Their prayers weren’t polished or perfect. They were desperate. Honest. Expectant.

When we finished, we opened our eyes and looked outside. Nothing. The skies were still dry. We kept going with the day, but something had shifted. A spirit of prayer clung to the room, as if hearts were still lifted heavenward.

Later that evening, it happened. One drop, then another. By dinner, the heavens opened and the heavy rains poured down. What began as whispered prayers ended in shouts of gratitude.

It reminded me of Elijah, who prayed earnestly for rain and would not stop until the clouds gathered and the earth was refreshed. James writes, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Prayer is not small. Prayer is not safe. Prayer is the place where heaven meets earth and God reveals His power.

Are your prayers small and cautious, or bold and expectant?