July 8 – Abraham’s Plea for Sodom – Genesis 18
This passage contains a great illustration of petitionary prayer. It begins in verse 17 when God reveals to Abraham His plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness. Abraham’s nephew, Lot, and his family was living in Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham was burdened for his relatives. He asks God to spare the city if he can find 50 righteous people in the city. God grants Abraham’s request. In verse 27, Abraham humbles himself and petitions God again. This time Abraham asks God if He would spare the city if Abraham can find 45 righteous people in the city. God again grants Abraham’s request. Abraham makes a total of six petitions with God granting each one. The end result of all of Abraham’s requests was for Abraham to find ten righteous people to spare the city.
A couple of interesting observations can help our own prayer life. Understand God’s mercy is available for you. God listened to Abraham. Abraham was trying to gain victory over wickedness. Abraham was humble. Abraham was specific. Abraham’s requests were measurable and goal orientated. Abraham’s requests were not for himself. Abraham was not afraid to keep asking God for more favor. All of these observations can only help our own prayer life if we put them into practice.
