50 Days of Prayer for Fellowship CRC

Gen. 16:22-33, So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, while Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Then Abraham came near and said, “Will you indeed …”

Read the entire story, even if you already know it.  See how God was shaping Abraham to establish a heritage of those who known for “doing righteous and justice” (19). See how bold Abraham was to speak to “the Judge of all the earth” (25). Observe the negotiating posture which Abraham assumed before the Lord. Hear how he addressed the Lord.  what he achieved in his negotiations. 

Someone (I can’t remember who), has pointed out that Abraham quit too soon. He had successfully negotiated with God for ten righteous people (32). So why did Abraham quit there?  Presumably it had something to do with the number of family members he had in Sodom.  But why did he not ask for 5, or even just 1 righteous person?  Did God tell Abraham to stop?

This prayer certainly leaves us with a lot of questions, not the least of which is specifically who Abraham was actually negotiating for. But even if you have questions, and even though God does not respond to you directly, learn from Abraham. Pray boldly and specifically, and keep arguing with God on behalf of justice for those who can’t ask for it. And, while you are at it, for the needs of our church.

What do you think? Can you pray with Abraham?  How does Abraham’s prayer help you pray for our world, our city, and our church?

So we pray,
Lord, there are people and places right now that need you desperately, and we struggle to pray for them.  But we do so now, we pray for ___________.  We are sure there are people there who call on your name; will you not spare the place for them? May we pray with Abraham, Lord, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” Would you spare them, Lord, even if you just find 50, 45, 40, 30, 20, 10, 5, 1 righteous people there?” Lord, here the prayers of your people. Amen.