1Ki 18:21-43, 30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” … And he REPAIRED the altar of the LORD that had been thrown down.
Elijah prophesied that there would be drought for 3.5 years and it came to pass as he prophesied. God now sends him to prophesy that He will restore the land and send abundance of rain that was desperately needed.
Israel expected Elijah to pray for rain; but Elijah first addressed their obstacle, their need to return to the true God. People must repent and reform to pave ways for the rain. Broken altars will not hold or be effective unless repaired first. Think of broken or leaking jars, they are unable to hold water. Repaired altar is for sacrifices pleasing to God. Sin, drought, fear, doubt, depression etc may have damaged you, but God restores broken altars, broken vessels, broken jars. Our prayers should major on repair of our first love and character in the areas of integrity, wisdom, patience, good stewards. Blessings with no sustenance is tragic.