Abraham prays for Sodom
Gen. 18:16-33
The world is in turmoil today. Let us see how Abraham’s prayers to God regarding Sodom may be applicable to our own prayer today.
Even though the Lord did not fully reveal what He was going to do to Sodom, Abraham, knowing the sins of Sodom, may have understood that it would not be something good. He asked God, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” (Gen. 18:23).
Abraham was quite audacious in his plea with God. He asked God if He would still destroy Sodom if there were fifty (then forty five – then thirty – then twenty – and finally ten) righteous people. God acquiesced. He was therefore successful in interceding for the righteous people and for Lot.
Let us consider what we can learn from this:
- The Lord was not angry with Abraham’s persistence even though Abraham continued make plea after plea. Likewise, let us understand that the Lord is never upset when we persistently pray to Him. Instead, He is glad when we pray to Him.
- When Abraham prayed to God, he did so in humility, recognising his own insignificance before the Almighty. Likewise, when we pray to God, let us pray humbly, recognising our own weaknesses and insignificance and, at the same time, acknowledging the magnificence and greatness of God.
- Abraham was persistent in his plea. Likewise, let us be persistent in our prayers to God. Luke 11:5-13 and 18:1-8 tells us of the need to be pertinacious. Luke 11:9-10 says, “Ask and it will be given you… For everyone who asks receives.”
- Abraham interceded for Lot and his family. Because of this, Lot was saved. This shows us of the importance of intercession.
Similarly, whatever situation and circumstances we may be in today, let us understand this: God listens to our prayers and answers them. Let us be persistent, let us be humble and let us also intercede for others too.
