In our text, Elisha is seen restoring joy to the woman and her family when he said to
her, “Pick up your son”. Let us examine what led to this miracle. 2 Kings 4:33 says, “He
went in therefore, shut the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the Lord.” Not
only did he pray, but he also persisted. “And he went up and lay on the child, and put
his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands; and he
stretched himself out on the child, and the flesh of the child became warm. He returned
and walked back and forth in the house, and again went up and stretched himself out on
him; then the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.” 2 Kings
“There is power behind closed doors!”
There is power behind closed doors! In the series of teaching on the Mount, one of the
things Jesus taught believers is to resolve issues behind closed doors. Many of the
troubles for which people run from pillar to post can be handled in their closets. There is
a place for the prayer of agreement, but more often than not you will face situations that
you alone can adequately deal with in prayer. While we may draw on the corporate
prayer of the saints, it must never be a cloak for laziness. Furthermore, as we resolve to
use our closet more than ever, let us remember that God does not delight in empty
phrases. He expects prayer from a simple and pure heart.