READING: Genesis 19-21
I don’t think often enough about the power of the prayer of a man who follows God. Abraham was not perfect, but he is remembered as a man of faith (Heb. 11:8-10) and righteousness (Gen. 15:6). In today’s reading are these references to the patriarch’s praying:
First, God rescued Lot from the judgment on Sodom because He remembered Abraham's prayers for the righteous of the city (Gen. 18:22-33): "So it was, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, He remembered Abraham and brought Lot out of the middle of the upheaval when He demolished the cities where Lot had lived." (Gen. 19:29)
Second, God told Abimelech, King of Gerar, that Abraham had power in his prayers: ". . . for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live." (Gen. 20:7)
Third, Abraham later prayed, and God healed the closed wombs of the women in Abimelech’s household: "Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female slaves so that they could bear children." (Gen. 20:17)
Abraham would indeed be a blessing to the nations through his offspring, but he was also a blessing to others through his prayers.
The bottom line is this: the prayer of a righteous man really does make a difference. In the words of Charles Spurgeon, “More fierce than the flames of hell to Satan are the prayers of convinced sinners.”*
ACTION STEPS: Consider these questions today, and then respond to the Lord as you need:
- Would those who know you best characterize you as a person of faith and righteousness?
- Do you so believe in prayer that you consistently intercede for others?
- Would your prayer life threaten Satan?
PRAYER: “Lord, teach me to pray.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Genesis 22-24
*Spurgeon, Charles (1998-11-01). Spurgeon on Prayer & Spiritual Warfare (6 In 1 Anthology) (Kindle Locations 8923-8924). Whitaker House. Kindle Edition.
