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Daily Devotions

Intercessory Prayer

By January 13, 2016No Comments

Read Genesis 18:16-33

And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? Genesis 18:23-24 KJV

An important form of prayer is intercession; this is to pray in behalf of others. The first and perhaps best example of this is Abraham’s prayer in behalf of Sodom. When the Lord told Abraham He was about to judge Sodom, Abraham was deeply concerned and moved to plead with God. His intercessory prayer was based on the distinction God makes between the righteous and the wicked. Abraham was fearful he was too bold in making repeated requests. Sometimes we feel the same way but the Lord’s responsiveness to him shows God is ready to listen. Abraham’s hesitation also displayed a sense of humility too often missing in prayers. However, his hesitation stemmed from a misunderstanding of God. Abraham’s mistake was to think he could care more for other people than God did! When we pray for others, let’s remember God cares for them even more than we do.

Lord, Abraham was concerned enough about your judgment of sin to pray for a whole city, not just the righteous, but the whole city. Although I have prayed for my own town I lack the intensity and compassion displayed by Abraham. Develop in me a passion for the lost that will bring me before you in behalf of others more often.

A question to ponder: What motivates me to pray for others most, my personal interests or their need before God?