Praying for a Heavy Downpour of Rain
Praying for a Heavy Downpour of Rain: Lessons from Elijah’s Persistent Prayer and the Power of Refusing to Take “No” for an Answer
Today, we will be praying for a heavy downpour of rain. Rain is often symbolic of divine blessings, restoration, and the refreshing presence of God. Throughout Scripture, we see that rain represents God’s favor upon His people, bringing revival after seasons of drought. One of the most powerful examples of praying for rain is found in the story of Elijah—a prophet who refused to accept “No” for an answer.
Elijah’s Persistent Prayer for Rain
During the reign of King Ahab, Israel experienced a severe drought that lasted for three and a half years. This famine was a result of Israel’s disobedience and idolatry, as Elijah had earlier prophesied:
“As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.” — 1 Kings 17:1 (NIV)
However, after years of drought and suffering, the time for restoration came. Elijah confronted the false prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, proving that the Lord alone is God. Following this great victory, he turned his focus to praying for rain.
Elijah’s Unwavering Faith: He Refused to Take “No” for an Answer
Elijah did not merely wish for rain—he prayed persistently until he saw results. His approach teaches us three key principles:
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He Took a Posture of Humility and Intensity
“And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees.” — 1 Kings 18:42 (KJV)
Elijah did not pray casually; he positioned himself in humility, bowing before God in deep intercession. When we desire a spiritual downpour—whether in our personal lives, ministries, or nations—we must pray with passion and urgency.
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He Prayed Persistently Despite Delays
Elijah told his servant to go and look toward the sea for a sign of rain. The servant returned six times saying, “There is nothing.” But Elijah did not stop praying. He sent his servant back seven times, refusing to accept “No” as the final answer (1 Kings 18:43).
Many times, we pray once or twice and give up when we see no immediate results. But Elijah teaches us to keep pressing in prayer until the answer comes.
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He Kept His Expectation Alive
On the seventh time, the servant reported seeing a small cloud, the size of a man’s hand. Elijah took this as a confirmation that the rain was coming:
“Go, tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’” — 1 Kings 18:44 (NIV)
What began as a small cloud quickly became a mighty downpour. This shows us that even when we see just a tiny sign of breakthrough, we must have faith that God is bringing the fullness of His promise.
Spiritual Lessons: Keep Praying Until the Rain Falls!
1. Don’t Take “No” for an Answer in Prayer
Elijah could have stopped praying after the first or second report of “nothing,” but he persisted. Similarly, when we are praying for spiritual revival, personal breakthroughs, or divine intervention, we must keep praying until something happens!
Jesus reinforced this principle in Luke 18:1-8 when He told the parable of the persistent widow who kept seeking justice from an unjust judge. She refused to take “No” for an answer—and her persistence paid off.
“And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?” — Luke 18:7 (KJV)
2. The First Sign May Be Small, But the Rain Is Coming!
The servant saw only a small cloud, but Elijah knew a mighty downpour was on the way. Sometimes, when we pray, we may see only tiny signs of change. However, we must act in faith, knowing that God always finishes what He starts (Philippians 1:6).
3. Keep Your Eyes on God, Not on Delays
Just as Elijah stayed focused despite seeing no results for a while, we must trust God’s timing. The delay is not denial—the rain will surely come!
Conclusion: Prepare for the Downpour!
Are you praying for a spiritual revival, breakthrough, healing, or divine intervention? Keep praying! Like Elijah, refuse to take “No” for an answer. Keep seeking, keep knocking, and keep believing—because the heavy rain is coming!
“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.Though it linger, wait for it; it[a] will certainly come and will not delay.” — Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV)
Are you ready for your downpour? Then pray like Elijah—and don’t stop until you see the rain!
Prayer Points for a Heavy Downpour of Rain (Spiritual & Physical Blessings)
1. Pray for the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
Prayer: Lord, I ask for a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit upon my life, my family, and the church. Let there be a revival like never before!
Scripture: “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. — Joel 2:28 (NIV)
2. Pray for a Revival in Your Nation
Prayer: Father, let Your rain of righteousness fall upon our nation, bringing transformation and salvation.
Scripture: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” — Proverbs 14:34 (ESV)
3. Pray for an End to Spiritual Dryness
Prayer: Lord, send Your rain upon every dry area of my spiritual life. Let my prayer life, worship, and devotion be renewed!
Scripture: “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground;I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.“ — Isaiah 44:3 (KJV)
4. Pray for Open Heavens
Prayer: Father, I declare that the heavens over my life, my finances, and my destiny shall open, and showers of blessings will pour down!
Scripture: “The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.” — Deuteronomy 28:12 (NIV)
5. Pray for Divine Restoration
Prayer: Lord, just as You restored Israel after the famine, restore every lost blessing in my life!
Scripture: “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten— the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm—my great army that I sent among you“ — Joel 2:25 (NIV)
6. Pray for Supernatural Breakthrough
Prayer: Father, just as You answered Elijah’s persistent prayers, answer my prayers and bring divine breakthroughs into my life!
Scripture: “Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. — James 5:17-18 (KJV)
7. Pray for Faith to Keep Praying Until the Rain Falls
Prayer: Lord, help me not to give up in prayer. Let me keep pressing until I see results like Elijah did!
Scripture: “Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)
8. Pray Against Stagnation and Delay
Prayer: Every power holding back my rain of blessings, be broken in Jesus’ name!
Scripture: “I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty.“ — Malachi 3:11 (KJV)
9. Pray for Divine Acceleration
Prayer: Father, just as the rain came suddenly after Elijah’s prayer, let my breakthrough come speedily!
Scripture: “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” — Isaiah 65:24 (NIV)
10. Pray for Favor and Open Doors
Prayer: Lord, let the rain of favor fall upon me and cause doors of opportunity to open!
Scripture: “For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.” — Psalm 5:12 (NKJV)
11. Pray for Financial Blessings
Prayer: Father, let the rain of financial abundance come upon me. I reject lack and poverty in Jesus’ name!
Scripture: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.“ — Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
12. Pray for Healing Rain
Prayer: Lord, send Your rain of healing upon every area of my life—spiritually, physically, and emotionally!
Scripture: “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.“ — Malachi 4:2 (NIV)
13. Pray for Victory Over Obstacles
Prayer: Every opposition to my rain of blessings, be removed in Jesus’ name!
Scripture: “What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’“ — Zechariah 4:7 (ESV)
14. Pray for the Grace to Wait for God’s Timing
Prayer: Lord, help me not to give up while waiting for my rain of blessings. Strengthen my faith in Your promises!
Scripture: “For the vision is yet for an appointed time… though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” — Habakkuk 2:3 (KJV)
15. Pray for Joy and Thanksgiving for the Coming Rain
Prayer: Lord, I rejoice because I know my rain is coming! Thank You for answered prayers!
Scripture: “Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God,for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful.He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before“ — Joel 2:23 (NIV)
Final Encouragement
Just as Elijah prayed persistently until the rain fell, we must continue praying until our breakthrough comes. Don’t take “No” for an answer—keep pressing until you see your downpour!
Be a Part of the Night of Divine Encounter
Join us for a transformative time of prayer and worship during our corporate prayer sessions:
- Early Morning Cry: Stream live on our website daily from March 29 to April 4, 2025, between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM MST.
- Night of Divine Encounter: Participate online or in person on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM MST. Our physical meeting will be held at:
Winston Heights Mountview Community Association (Main Hall), 520 27 Avenue, NE, Calgary.
You can also stream live via our Church’s website, Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube channels.Get Involved at BKCC:
- Interested in becoming a member? Fill out the “I’m New“ form on our website, and we’ll reach out to you.
- Ready to serve? Complete the “Volunteer“ form, and we’ll connect with you about opportunities.
- Want to support the work of God? Visit the “Give“ section of our website to learn how you can contribute.
- Share your testimony with us by emailing [email protected].
We look forward to connecting with you as we experience God’s divine presence together!
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