First Reading1 Kings 18:41-46
From the First Book of Kings
41Elijah said to Ahab, “Get up, eat and drink;for there is the sound of abundance of rain.”
42So Ahab went up to eat and to drink.Elijah went up to the top of Carmel;and he bowed himself down on the earth,and put his face between his knees.43He said to his servant,“Go up now and look toward the sea.”
He went up and looked, then said, “There is nothing.”
He said, “Go again” seven times.
44On the seventh time,he said, “Behold, a small cloud,like a man’s hand,is rising out of the sea.”
He said, “Go up, tell Ahab,‘Get ready and go down,so that the rain doesn’t stop you.’”
45In a little while,the sky grew black with clouds and wind,and there was a great rain.Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.46The Lord’s hand was on Elijah;and he tucked his cloak into his beltand ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.