Bible moment
The Bible moment
In 1 Kings 18:36–39, Elijah prays at the time of the evening offering. He asks the LORD to answer so the people will know that the LORD is God and that Elijah has acted at the LORD’s command. The altar has been repaired with twelve stones, and the offering and wood have been thoroughly soaked with water. The LORD answers Elijah’s prayer with fire. The fire consumes the offering, wood, stones, dust, and water. This unmistakable answer shows the LORD’s power in the public test at Mount Carmel. The people respond by falling facedown and declaring that the LORD is God. The passage presents the moment as a call away from divided worship and toward recognition of the LORD alone as God.
Look closely
What children can notice
At the time of the evening offering, Elijah stands beside the thoroughly soaked altar and prays that the people will know the LORD is God. Fire from the LORD consumes the offering, wood, stones, dust, and water. The people respond by falling facedown and declaring that the LORD is God.
Talk together
Talk about it
- What did the LORD’s fire show the people?
- How did the people respond?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page to discuss prayer, trusting God, and choosing faithful worship. Invite children to notice the soaked altar and remember that the LORD’s answer was unmistakable. Keep the focus on Elijah’s prayer, the miraculous fire, and the people’s response. Avoid depicting a visible human form of God, angels, or the violent aftermath recorded later in the chapter.
Source note
From this passage
1 Kings 18:36-39 · Mount Carmel
At the time of the evening offering, Elijah stands beside the thoroughly soaked altar and prays that the people will know the LORD is God. Fire from the LORD consumes the offering, wood, stones, dust, and water. The people respond by falling facedown and declaring that the LORD is God.
