Scripture to Read: Genesis 18:16-33
In Genesis 18:16-22, our Lord chooses to reveal to Abraham that He will obliterate Sodom and Gomorrah. What we find next, in Genesis 18:23-33, is Abraham’s prayer before our Lord on behalf of all the people in Sodom and Gomorrah. We know that Lot, Abraham’s nephew, and all of Lot’s family live in Sodom, and that may be why Abraham is praying to our Lord. But whether Abraham's prayer is because of Lot or indeed for all the people, Abraham asks our Lord to show them His mercy. As we read God’s Word, we know it’s a conversation between our Lord and Abraham. We must remember that our prayer life is the same as Abraham’s. Our prayers are a conversation with our Lord and King, and we have the privilege of asking Him for anything. We need to learn His Word more each day, so our prayers are more and more in line with His promises. Finally, as Abraham and our Lord talk, our Lord tells Abraham in Genesis 18:32-33,For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” 33 And the Lord went His way, when He had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place. Our Lord displays His abundant mercy and reassures Abraham that He will not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah if He finds at least ten who are walking with Him. As we pray for the lost in our world, we need to pray Ephesians 6:19-20 and Colossians 4:3-6 as God uses us.
Challenge & Application
What did God teach you today, through Abraham’s prayer, about your own prayer life?
How are you praying for the lost each day, and how is God currently using you in the lives of the lost around you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!