Abraham’s Prayer For Sodom

Power of Prayer - A Series
By Allana Austin 



One: Abraham’s Prayer For Sodom

Genesis 18:16-33


A Profile of Abraham

Today when our guests depart, we may end the visit by walking them to the door or to the car, and we wish them a safe journey. Similarly, in the days of Abraham, it was a popular custom for a host to walk or travel with their guests for some distance as they departed from their residence. Abraham was no exception to this custom, as his heavenly guests departed, they travelled and talked for some distance. This may be the first time they had physically walked together, but in fact, Abraham had been walking with the Lord for many decades. They had an intimate and long relationship; the Lord knew that Abraham was a holy man, a man who ordered his steps and that of his families according to the Word [Genesis 18:19]. It was on this walk that the Lord revealed to Abraham, his intentions for the city of Sodom [Genesis 18:20-21].

Abraham Bargains for Sodom

Abraham knew of the wickedness of the people living in the city [Genesis 13:13], and must have been alarmed at the punishment their transgressions would certainly deserve. I know we can all relate to this; standing before our parents bargaining for some small trifle that in our youth was monumental to our happiness. Let me know if you are still with me… can you imagine yourself standing before the Lord and bargaining on behalf of Sodom? Yet it seems that is what Abraham did immediately, the best thing he could do for the people of Sodom, he pleaded, and pleaded, and pleaded on behalf of the people of Sodom [Genesis 18:22-32]. Abraham knew that God did not take any pleasure in seeing people lose their lives to sin, and that He was fair. [2 Peter 3: 9-10] The Lord promised, “I will not destroy it for ten’s sake,” [Genesis 18:32] when Abraham arose and saw evidence of the city's destruction, he knew that not even ten righteous people lived there.


A Profile of the Intercessory Prayer 

Christ’s Character Revealed

Abraham did not live in Sodom, he was not of Sodom, he did not partake in their pagan customs, nor did he trade with them [Genesis 14:21-24]. He simply understood that he was to hate the sin, but not the sinner. [Jude 1:22-23, Matthew 9:11,36] Not only should the sinner be preached the Gospel and the message of repentance, the sinner must be pleaded for [1 Tim 2:1]. This display of love is a reflection of the character of Christ; he died for our sake and intercedes on our behalf daily [John 17: 9-10,15-17, Romans 8:26-27].  



14And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:


                                                                                                            1 John 5:14


Stand Boldly Before the Throne

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need…boldness to enter into holiest by the blood of Jesus [Hebrews 4:16, 10:19]. As afore mentioned Abraham displayed great courage, it was a matter of life and death [Genesis 18:22-32]. 

A Lesson in Humility

Abraham was bold, he was courageous, and he was passionate about saving Sodom. I imagine that his heart raced within his chest, yet there is no evidence of that, he quite cautiously entreated with the Lord, knowing that despite his need he was addressing the Lord God to whom all honor is due. [Exodus 20:7, Matt 6:7-8] 

Diligence 

Abraham pleaded with God until his prayer was satisfied. [1 Thessalonians 5:17]

Le Pièce de Resistance      

When we pray for each other and ourselves it must be in the name of Jesus, or they will go unanswered, it will go unheard; it would not ascend beyond the ceilings of our homes. [John 14: 13-14, Acts 14:12] Our intercessory prayers do not prevent the man from sinning. It is up to every man to choose to abstain from sin and choose Life [Revelation 3:20]. However, we should never cease to pray that those who are in darkness would come to see the love and the light of God. 

Martin Luther wrote, “When I pray for any one, I place him right in view of my heart, and neither see not think of anything else, but look at him with my soul;”

For all our efforts, the best gift we have to offer on behalf of our brother or sister is an intercessory prayer.    






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