The answer is: Cut themselves with knives

1 Ki 18:28

In the showdown at Mount Carmel, the prophets of Baal were desperate to get their god's attention. They were so deep in their ritual that they resorted to self-mutilation, believing that cutting themselves with knives would evoke Baal's response. This bizarre act highlights the lengths to which people sometimes go in spiritual fervor or desperation, driven by the belief that physical suffering might compel their deity to act.

It's important to note that this scene paints a vivid contrast to Elijah's straightforward appeal to the God of Israel, who didn't require bloodshed or self-harm. Instead, he simply called on his God with confidence, rising above the chaos of the competing beliefs. This event deepened Israel's understanding of their God, as fire came down to consume Elijah's offering while Baal remained silent.

This moment is echoed in other parts of the Bible, including James 5:17, which mentions Elijah as a righteous man who prayed fervently, demonstrating that effective prayer is rooted in sincerity rather than ritualistic actions. The prophets of Baal exemplified the futility of rituals divorced from genuine faith.

Interestingly, during ancient times, rituals like those of the Baal worshipers were not uncommon in various cultures. The stark contrast between these worship practices and the straightforward spirituality encouraged through Elijah’s example invites reflections on our current practices—raising questions about authenticity in worship that still resonate today.