Although the Lord pours out His Spirit to those who give themselves to serve Him, the outpouring will cease if we turn aside and serve the gods of our hobbies, our desires, or our flesh. Once I start serving these gods, the heavens are shut up and my soul gets dry.

Elijah - the one who called down fire from Heaven - stormed into wicked King Ahab’s court and said, “Be it known unto you, it shall not rain these years but according to my word.” And indeed it didn’t rain for over three years (see 1 Kings 17:1). James tells us that although Elijah was a man just like you and me, he knew how to pray (James 5:17). Therefore, he evidently knew this text, for Jesus said if His words abide in us, then our prayers will be answered (John 15:7).

That’s why we attend Bible studies year after year after year. That’s why I read the Word. I want to know what this book has to say that I might pray effectively. Elijah models this. The Word of the Lord was evidently in his heart, enabling him to pray effectively. The more Bible study you take in, the more Scripture you know, the more effectively you can pray. And the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails, or accomplishes, much (James 5:16).