Brother Murdoch – "The Most Important Thing You Do"

April 20, 2025 – PM Service

Valley Bible Baptist Church

Text: Luke 6:12; James 5:17–18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Why Would the Man of God Pray That It Would Stop Raining?

Because it was a judgment prayer—a specific type of prayer we also see examples of in Deuteronomy.

From James 5: "He Prayed"

1. The Prayer Was Sincere

• The Bible says he prayed earnestly—genuinely and from the heart.
• It was also fervent—full of passion and intensity.

Isaiah 38:1–3 – An example of someone praying with sincerity and intensity.

2. The Prayer Was Specific

James 5:17

• He asked specifically for the rain to stop.
• When we pray, we should ask for specific things according to God’s will.

Matthew 18:19

Mark 11:24

1 John 5:14–15

Why pray specifically?

To gain wisdom to do God’s will.

John 15:7 – “If you abide in Me…” — motive matters.

When your motive is right, God can validate what you're asking for.

3. The Prayers Didn’t Stop

1 Kings 18:40–46 – Especially verse 42.

• Notice Elijah’s posture—he was humble and persistent in prayer.

4. The Prayers Included Confession—and Brought Healing

James 5:16 – Confess your faults… pray… that you may be healed.

Romans 8:16 – The Spirit bears witness that we are God’s children.

Prayer is not a last resort—

It is the most important thing you do.