Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Kings 18:37

"Hear me, O Jehovah, hear me, that this people may know that thou, Jehovah, art God, and [that] thou hast turned their heart back again." — 1 Kings 18:37 (ASV)

That thou hast turned their heart — The hearts of the people were turning. Elijah speaks of them as already turned, anticipating the coming change and helping it on.