Everything is falling apart; the prophet Elijah believes he has failed. He hides in a mountain cave and prays for death. An angel feeds him; he gathers strength, and walks to Horeb (Sinai), the mountain of God.

A word of God comes to Elijah. “Why are you here, Elijah?” Elijah pours out his heart, “I was so zealous for YHWH, Lord of Hosts, but the Israelites left the covenant, destroyed your altars, and killed your prophets in battle. Only I’m left and they want to take my life.”

“Ah,” says God. “Go stand on the mountain in my presence.”

God passes by. A huge wind splinters the mountain and shatters the rocks — but God is not in the wind. An earthquake comes — but God is not in the earthquake. A fire starts — but God is not in the fire.

A subtle sound of silence comes. Elijah buries his face in his cloak, and pours out his heart using the same words again…and this time he receives guidance.

Elijah’s story offers simple instructions to all of us who pray in times of trouble, times when events seem to strip away all we once relied on.

1. Eat, drink, sleep and make sure your physical strength is replenished.

2. Get out of town if you can, and go to a place you find holy.

3. When you get there, pray and reflect.

4. Recognize that answers may not come in a form you expect.

5. Let go of the anger and fear that shakes inside you.

6. Listen for the voice you hear as the emotions subside, and there you will find spiritual guidance.