Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Lot

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Topical Encyclopedia

Lot, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is best known as the nephew of Abraham and a resident of the infamous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. His life and experiences provide profound insights into the theme of answered prayer, particularly in the context of divine intervention and mercy.

Intercession by Abraham

The most notable instance of answered prayer concerning Lot is found in the narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah's impending destruction. In Genesis 18, God reveals to Abraham His plan to destroy these cities due to their grievous sin. Concerned for his nephew Lot, who resides in Sodom, Abraham intercedes on behalf of the righteous within the city. He pleads with God, asking if He would spare the city for the sake of fifty righteous people, progressively negotiating down to ten. The Lord responds to Abraham's intercession with patience and assurance, saying, "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it" (Genesis 18:32).

Divine Rescue of Lot

Despite the lack of ten righteous individuals, God's mercy is evident in His response to Abraham's prayer. In Genesis 19, two angels arrive in Sodom to execute judgment but also to rescue Lot and his family. The angels warn Lot of the impending destruction and urge him to gather his family and flee the city. Lot hesitates, but the angels, in an act of divine compassion, physically lead Lot, his wife, and his two daughters out of the city, sparing them from the impending doom. This act of deliverance is a direct answer to Abraham's intercession, highlighting God's willingness to save the righteous from judgment.

Lot's Hesitation and God's Mercy

Lot's reluctance to leave Sodom, despite the clear warning, underscores human frailty and the pull of worldly attachments. However, God's mercy prevails as the angels instruct Lot to flee to the mountains. Lot, fearing for his safety, requests to escape to a nearby small town, Zoar, instead. The angels grant this request, saying, "Very well, I will grant this request as well, and will not overthrow the town you speak of" (Genesis 19:21). This concession further illustrates God's responsiveness to human petitions, even when they stem from fear and uncertainty.

Lot's Wife and the Consequences of Disobedience

While Lot and his daughters are saved, his wife's fate serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences of disobedience. Despite the clear command not to look back, Lot's wife turns to gaze upon the city and is transformed into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). This tragic outcome highlights the importance of complete trust and obedience in God's instructions, even amidst answered prayers.

Legacy and Lessons

Lot's account is a testament to God's faithfulness in answering prayers, particularly those offered in intercession for others. It underscores the power of righteous intercession, the mercy of God in delivering the faithful, and the necessity of obedience to divine commands. Through Abraham's prayers and God's subsequent actions, the narrative of Lot serves as a powerful example of divine intervention and the profound impact of prayer in the lives of believers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 19:19-21
Behold now, your servant has found grace in your sight, and you have magnified your mercy, which you have showed to me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Answers to Prayer
... had himself repeatedly proved that the Lord hears and answers prayer! ... strong hope,'
as we walked to the place of prayer. ... It fell to my lot to lead the meeting. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... Thus, Abraham prayed for Sodom; and, through his intercession, Lot was saved ... With
the evidence here presented, who can doubt that God hears and answers prayer? ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

From Adam to Moses.
... lesson. Questions and Answers. =1.= What is the first verse in the Bible? ... tent?
=An altar for prayer to God.=. Lesson IV. Abram and Lot. (Begin ...
/.../hurlbut/hurlbuts bible lessons/part first from adam to moses.htm

Conditions of Effectual Prayer.
... why thousands of Christians pray and never, get answers. ... or theatre, or in the gallery,
a lot of the ... most unseemly manner, arrested by the influence of prayer. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter vii conditions of effectual.htm

Life at Herrnhut.
... Again, the Brethren had a strong belief in direct answers to prayer. It was this
that led them to make such use of the "Lot." As soon as the first twelve ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iv life at herrnhut.htm

Putting God to Work
... In his final request he surely thought that with Lot, his wife, his daughters ... for
the higher working of another law, and this He may do when He answers prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

The Faith of Little Children.
... outside of the performance of the duties that naturally fell to my lot at home. ... are
you looking at, Tom?" "I am looking to see if Jesus Christ answers prayer.". ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the faith of little children.htm

Cheer for Despondency
... all the night and have taken nothing," has never been my lot, and therefore ... You know,
dear friends, that you have obtained answers to prayer, very singular ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/cheer for despondency.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... Jerome answers the second, third, and fourth propositions of ... The case is different
if this prayer belongs to the ... victory was due, was taken by lot, and [4791 ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

That we Ought to Give Ourselves to God with Regard to Things Both ...
... tempest." When lots were cast, "the lot fell upon ... and cried in vain for the answers
that could ... Their favoured dispensation of prayer was forgotten; they knew ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ii that we ought.htm