How can we apply Abraham's intercession for Sodom to our prayer life today? Opening the Text “Suppose the fifty righteous lack five,” Abraham pleaded. “Will You destroy the whole city for the lack of five?” The LORD replied, “If I find forty-five there, I will not destroy it.” (Genesis 18:28) Glimpsing Abraham’s Heart • He approaches God boldly yet humbly (vv. 27-30). • He shows compassion for people he has never met. • He believes God is both just and merciful, trusting Him to act consistently with His character. Lessons for Our Intercession Today 1. Boldness Rooted in Relationship – Like Abraham, we have standing with God. Through Christ we are called “friends” (John 15:15) and invited to “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). 2. Compassion for the Lost – Abraham pleads for an ungodly city. We, too, intercede for communities far from God (1 Timothy 2:1-4). 3. Persevering Negotiation – He keeps lowering the number—50, 45, 40, 30, 20, 10—showing persistence (Luke 18:1-8). God never rebukes him for asking again. 4. Appealing to God’s Character – Abraham’s prayer is anchored in God’s justice and mercy (Genesis 18:25). Effective prayer today clings to who God is rather than to our own merit. Practical Steps for Engaging in Abraham-like Prayer • Identify a city, nation, or group weighed down by sin. • Research its spiritual state; let knowledge fuel compassion. • Set a regular time to stand before the Lord on its behalf. • Begin with praise for God’s righteousness; then present specific petitions. • Keep a record of requests; watch for answers so faith grows. • Recruit others—“where two or three are gathered” (Matthew 18:19-20). Encouragement from the Rest of Scripture • Moses intercedes for Israel after the golden calf (Exodus 32:11-14). • Samuel says, “Far be it from me that I should sin by ceasing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23). • Paul’s “great sorrow” for Israel drives continual prayer (Romans 9:1-3; 10:1). • James reminds us, “The prayer of a righteous man has great power” (James 5:16). Closing Thoughts Abraham’s bargaining shows that persistent, compassionate, character-based intercession moves the heart of God. The same Lord who listened then still listens now; He invites us to stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30) until mercy triumphs over judgment. |
    |