Topical Bible: Prayer by Abraham

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Introduction

Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His life and faith journey are chronicled in the Book of Genesis, where his relationship with God is marked by a series of divine encounters and prayers. Abraham's prayers are significant as they reflect his deep faith, obedience, and intercessory role.

Prayer for an Heir (Genesis 15:1-6)

One of the earliest recorded prayers of Abraham occurs in Genesis 15. God promises Abram that his reward will be very great. Abram, however, expresses his concern to God about being childless, saying, "O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" (Genesis 15:2). This dialogue with God is a form of prayer, where Abram openly shares his heart's desires and concerns. God's response is a reaffirmation of His promise, assuring Abram that his own offspring will be his heir. This interaction highlights Abram's faith, as he "believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6).

Intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18:16-33)

Abraham's role as an intercessor is vividly illustrated in Genesis 18, where he pleads with God on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah. Upon learning of the impending judgment on these cities, Abraham approaches God with a series of petitions, asking if the cities would be spared for the sake of fifty righteous people, then progressively reducing the number to ten. Abraham's prayer is marked by humility and persistence, as he says, "Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes" (Genesis 18:27). This passage demonstrates Abraham's deep concern for justice and mercy, as well as his boldness in approaching God.

Prayer for Abimelech (Genesis 20:7, 17-18)

In Genesis 20, Abraham's prayer is instrumental in the healing of Abimelech and his household. After Abimelech unknowingly takes Sarah, Abraham's wife, God warns him in a dream and instructs him to return Sarah to Abraham, who is described as a prophet. God tells Abimelech, "He will pray for you, and you will live" (Genesis 20:7). Abraham's subsequent prayer results in God healing Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, allowing them to bear children. This episode underscores Abraham's role as a mediator and the power of his intercessory prayer.

Prayer for Ishmael (Genesis 17:18-20)

Abraham's concern for his son Ishmael is evident in Genesis 17, where he prays to God, "O that Ishmael might live under Your blessing!" (Genesis 17:18). In response, God reassures Abraham that Ishmael will be blessed and become a great nation, although the covenant will be established with Isaac, the son to be born to Sarah. This prayer reflects Abraham's paternal care and God's gracious response to his requests.

Conclusion

Abraham's prayers throughout the Genesis narrative reveal a man deeply engaged with God, characterized by faith, obedience, and a heart for intercession. His dialogues with God set a precedent for prayer as a means of communication, petition, and intercession, demonstrating the profound relationship between the divine and the faithful.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 12:5,8
And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Abraham, the Man of Prayer
... III. ABRAHAM, THE MAN OF PRAYER. Oh ... prayer. His life was surcharged with
prayer and Abraham's dispensation was sanctified by prayer. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/prayer and praying men/iii abraham the man of.htm

Abraham's Guest
... But the traveler would not join him in prayer and thanksgiving. Abraham was angry
because of the old man's lack of religion, and drove him from his tent. ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/abrahams guest.htm

A Petulant Wish
... To make a prayer out of my rebellion against His will is surely the greatest abuse
of prayer that can be conceived. And when Abraham said, 'O that Ishmael ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a petulant wish.htm

Order and Argument in Prayer
... I like that prayer of Abraham's, "Oh that Ishmael might live before thee!" There
is the name and the person prayed for, and the blessing desired, all put in a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/order and argument in prayer.htm

Abraham and Isaac. Genesis xxii.
... What things? See verse 33 in preceding chapter. After Abraham had given himself
to prayer. It often happens that grace is given for grace. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxv abraham and isaac genesis.htm

The Testament of Abraham. Version I.
... they had called upon him for a long space, there came a voice from heaven saying,
Abraham, Abraham, I have hearkened to thy voice and thy prayer, and forgive ...
/.../unknown/the testament of abraham/the testament of abraham version.htm

The Intercourse of God and his Friend
... It sounds like remonstrance quite as much as prayer. Abraham appeals to God to take
care of His name and honour, as if he had said, If Thou doest this, what ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the intercourse of god and.htm

Praying Men at a Premium
... As we have seen, Abraham, the father of the faithful, was a prince and a priest
in prayer. ... With Abraham, the altar of sacrifice is hard by the altar of prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/vi praying men at a.htm

Prayer and Humility
... Humility is one of the unchanging and exacting attitudes of prayer. ... How lowly the
attitude of Abraham, the friend of God, when pleading for God to stay His ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/ii prayer and humility.htm

Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision
... THE RESULTS OF SUCH A CONSECRATION. Immediately after God's appearing to Abraham,
his consecration was manifest, first, in his prayer for his family. ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/consecration to godillustrated by abrahams.htm