How can we intercede for others like Abraham in Genesis 18:26? Abraham’s Conversation with God “So the LORD replied, ‘If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.’ ” (Genesis 18:26) What Abraham Did • Drew near to God personally (v. 23) • Appealed to God’s character—“Far be it from You to do such a thing” (v. 25) • Asked boldly yet humbly, reducing the number from fifty to ten (vv. 27-32) • Persisted until he received a clear word from the Lord (v. 32) Principles for Today’s Intercessor • Approach God on the basis of relationship, not ritual (Hebrews 4:16). • Combine boldness with reverence—“I am but dust and ashes” (Genesis 18:27). • Appeal to God’s revealed attributes: justice (Deuteronomy 32:4) and mercy (Psalm 103:8). • Be specific; Abraham named numbers, we can name people, circumstances, and outcomes. • Persist; keep asking, seeking, knocking (Matthew 7:7-8). Practical Ways to Stand in the Gap • Keep a running list of people and places that need mercy. • Set aside focused time; Abraham “stood still before the LORD” (v. 22). • Use Scripture promises as your language of appeal (Isaiah 62:6-7). • Pray for the righteous within a community; their presence can stay judgment (Jeremiah 5:1). • Partner with others; corporate intercession multiplies impact (Acts 12:5). • Fast when burdens intensify (Ezra 8:23). Other Biblical Models • Moses interceding after the golden calf—Exodus 32:11-14. • Job praying for his friends—Job 42:10. • Daniel confessing for his nation—Daniel 9:3-19. • Paul pleading for Israel—Romans 10:1. • Christ ever living to intercede—Hebrews 7:25. Encouraging Assurances • “The prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces results.” (James 5:16b) • “I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for all people.” (1 Timothy 2:1) • God still seeks those willing to “stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land” (Ezekiel 22:30). Interceding like Abraham means taking God at His word, valuing others’ lives, and believing that even a small group of the righteous can move the heart of heaven for an entire city. |
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