How can we emulate Abraham's boldness in our prayers for others? Stepping Forward: The Scene in Genesis 18:23 “Abraham stepped forward and said, ‘Will You really sweep away the righteous with the wicked?’” The moment is literal history: one man physically stands before the LORD and speaks. Nothing in the text suggests metaphor; it is as real as the desert ground beneath Abraham’s feet. What Made Abraham’s Plea Bold •He approached God instead of shrinking back. •He appealed to God’s known character of justice and mercy (18:25). •He kept pressing, six times, lowering the number from fifty to ten (18:24–32). •He interceded for people who could not—or would not—pray for themselves. •He counted on the LORD’s willingness to listen to a covenant friend. Grounding Our Own Intercession in God’s Character •Justice: “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25). We can boldly ask because God always acts righteously. •Compassion: “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious” (Exodus 34:6). His mercy invites repeated requests. •Faithfulness: “God is not a man, that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19). What He promises, He performs. •Accessibility: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). Scriptural Echoes That Encourage Bold Prayer •Moses intercedes—Ex 32:11–14. •Samuel pleads—1 Sam 7:8–9. •Daniel confesses—Dan 9:3–19. •The persistent friend—Luke 11:8–9. •The widow and the judge—Luke 18:1–8. •“Pray for all men”—1 Tim 2:1–2. •“The prayer of a righteous man has great power”—Jas 5:16. •“This is the confidence we have before Him”—1 John 5:14–15. How to Emulate Abraham’s Boldness Today 1.Start with God’s revealed attributes. Spend a moment rehearsing who He is before asking anything. 2.Name the people or city you’re burdened for, as Abraham named Sodom. Specificity matters. 3.Pray on the basis of covenant: Christ’s blood secures our standing (Hebrews 10:19). 4.Persist. If Abraham asked six times, we can certainly ask again tomorrow. 5.Humble yourself while remaining confident: “I am but dust and ashes” (Genesis 18:27) yet still invited to speak. 6.Include righteousness in your plea—ask that God spare, protect, or revive for the sake of any faithful who remain. 7.End in trust, leaving the outcome with Him, exactly as Abraham did when the conversation closed (Genesis 18:33). Practical Steps for This Week •List three individuals or communities under threat—spiritual, moral, or physical. •Daily approach God by name and character: “Righteous Judge, Merciful Father…” •Use descending numbers if helpful: “Lord, if even ten in that office… If even five…” •Write a brief log of each day’s intercession; note any answers to encourage further boldness. •Share testimonies of God’s responses to build faith in others (Psalm 66:16). |
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