OCTOBER 23, 2 Kings 4:32-37 

Elijah the prophet had a disciple called Elisha. One day in Shunem, Elisha met a kind Shunammite woman who offered him bread to eat. Since then, the kind woman will prepare bread for Elisha whenever he passed by her house. She believed that Elisha is a holy man of God, hence she and her husband made a little chamber for Elisha to take rest whenever he came. The Shunammite woman and her old husband were without child. Upon learning this, Elisha promised the Shunammite woman a son to reward her kindness, a gift from God.

The woman conceived and bore a son at the time Elisha had promised. However, one day her grown son fell ill and died. She went to seek Elisha’s help to save her son. Elisha followed her and upon entering the house, Elisha went into the chamber and the saw child lying on his bed. Elisha closed the chamber’s door and prayed with great faith to God. God healed the child in response to Elisha’s prayer.

Dear children, this story is almost the same as yesterday’s story, where the prophet Elijah brought the widow’s dead son back to life again. What was the first thing done by both the prophets? They prayed!

Prayer is such an important part of the Christian’s life. Look at 1 Kings 17:20 (for Elijah’s prayer) and 2 Kings 4: 33 (for Elisha’s prayer). The healing power comes from God alone. God uses different people to serve Him in different ways, according to His sovereign will. But remember God’s work must be done in God’s way, and God’s way is that we turn to Him in prayer! How often do you pray? How long do you pray? How serious are you when you pray?

Thought: Do I pray for God’s guidance how to do His work, in His way and in His time?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please teach me to pray without ceasing and ready Word faithfully every day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.