Nor For Such Rain

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15

The first Century BC was bringing the 400 years of silence from God after Malachi. It also was a time of drought with no rain for more than a year, and miracles were a distant memory. Very few people worshipped God anymore, let alone pray. But on the outskirts of Jerusalem lived a holy man named Honi who prayed and believed that God although not speaking could still hear them. So in desperation the people went to him to pray for rain.

So with his six foot staff in hand he walked to a clear space and took his staff and put it in the dust. Then he began to turn like a protractor, eventually encircling himself. And lifting his hands and eyes towards heaven said he would not leave the circle until it rained. Then he kneeled and prayed, “Lord of the universe, I swear before Your great name that I will not move from this circle until You have shown mercy upon Your children.” And the people watched for the rain to begin, because he prayed with such authority as if it flowed out from his believing heart.

And it began to shower, so he once again prayed, but this time he said, “Not for such rain have I prayed, but for rains that will fill cisterns , pits and caverns. And boy, did it rain. So much so that the people rain to the Temple mount. And once again Honi prayed, “Not for such rain have I prayed, but for rain of your favor, blessing and graciousness. And so it did, the rain became calm and peacefully fall allowing the parched ground to drink in the refreshing water. And the drought was over.

We’re looking at a drought warning right now, with no rain in sight. But just like Honi we can pray believing it will rain. And not stop until our prayers go up filling the heavens, as it overflows with rain falling to earth. Let us begin to pray and determine to not stop until we fill the heavens with the prayers that will send the much needed rain.