Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Abraham

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Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, often referred to as the "father of faith." His life is marked by numerous instances where God answered his prayers, demonstrating a profound relationship between the patriarch and the Divine. Abraham's experiences with answered prayer provide insight into the nature of faith, obedience, and God's promises.

Call and Promise (Genesis 12:1-3): Abraham's journey of faith begins with God's call to leave his homeland and go to a land that God would show him. In response to this divine directive, Abraham obeys, and God promises to make him a great nation, bless him, and make his name great. This initial encounter sets the stage for a life characterized by trust in God's promises.

Intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33): One of the most notable instances of Abraham's prayer life is his intercession for the city of Sodom. When God reveals His plan to destroy Sodom due to its wickedness, Abraham boldly intercedes on behalf of the righteous within the city. He negotiates with God, asking if He would spare the city for the sake of fifty, forty-five, forty, thirty, twenty, and finally ten righteous people. The Lord agrees to each of Abraham's requests, demonstrating His willingness to listen to the prayers of the faithful. Although the city is ultimately destroyed due to the lack of righteous individuals, Abraham's intercession highlights the power of prayer and God's responsiveness to His people.

Promise of a Son (Genesis 15:1-6; 17:15-21): Despite his advanced age and Sarah's barrenness, God promises Abraham a son. In Genesis 15, Abraham expresses his concern about having no heir, and God reassures him that his offspring will be as numerous as the stars. Abraham believes the Lord, and it is credited to him as righteousness. Later, in Genesis 17, God reiterates His promise, changing Abram's name to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations," and Sarai's name to Sarah. God promises that Sarah will bear a son, Isaac, through whom the covenant will be established. Abraham's faith in God's promise, despite natural impossibilities, is a testament to his unwavering trust in God's word.

Provision of a Ram (Genesis 22:1-14): In one of the most profound tests of faith, God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham obeys without hesitation, demonstrating his complete trust in God's provision. As Abraham prepares to sacrifice Isaac, an angel of the Lord intervenes, and God provides a ram as a substitute offering. This event not only answers Abraham's implicit prayer for deliverance but also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The place is named "The LORD Will Provide," underscoring God's faithfulness in answering the prayers of His people.

Covenant and Land (Genesis 13:14-17; 15:18-21): Throughout his life, Abraham receives repeated assurances from God regarding the land promised to him and his descendants. In Genesis 13, after separating from Lot, God tells Abraham to look around and promises that all the land he sees will belong to his offspring forever. In Genesis 15, God makes a covenant with Abraham, specifying the boundaries of the land. These divine affirmations are responses to Abraham's faith and obedience, reinforcing the certainty of God's promises.

Abraham's life is a profound example of how God answers the prayers of those who walk in faith and obedience. His account encourages believers to trust in God's promises, intercede for others, and remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God is faithful to answer prayer.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 17:20
And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Wonders of Prayer
... THE WONDERS OF PRAYER: A RECORD OF WELL AUTHENTICATED AND WONDERFUL ANSWERS TO PRAYER.
AS NARRATED BY: ... G. FINNEY, ABRAHAM LINCOLN,. AND HOSTS OF OTHERS. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/title page.htm

The Christian Prayer
... ANSWERS TO PRAYER. ... Notable Instances of Prayer, and the response of God, are shown
in the ... Abraham (Genesis 20:17), Jacob (Genesis 32:24-31), Moses (Numbers 11:2 ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study vii the christian prayer.htm

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... and yet the reality and heartiness of prayer will often ... See how Abraham, when he
went to worship the Lord ... of supplication, and for the divine answers to these ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... Thus, Abraham prayed for Sodom; and, through his intercession, Lot was saved ... With
the evidence here presented, who can doubt that God hears and answers prayer? ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Elijah, the Praying Prophet
... the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, Lord God of Abraham,
Isaac and ... The proof of God and of His being is that He answers prayer. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/v elijah the praying prophet.htm

Putting God to Work
... God stays and answers as long as Abraham stays and ... To Abraham God is existent,
approachable, and all powerful ... God has specifically to do with prayer promises in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

Jesus and the Syro-Phoenician Woman
... that is a very wrong view of trials, or of delayed answers to prayer, which men ... belonged
to the dogs, not the children, and the trial of Abraham, who was a ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxiii jesus and the.htm

Religion --A Reality
... and the Son, the one God of Israel; the God of Abraham, of Isaac ... were singular
coincidences!" Why, I have seen in my life, answers to prayer so remarkable ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/religiona reality.htm

Elucidations.
... Legion, assuming the story to be true; and I dare to affirm that marked answers
to prayer, by providential ... Our author places "Abraham's bosom" in Hades. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/elucidations.htm

Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... pray, and hear no voice, but stay till God answers. ... More than this, prayer like faith,
obtains promises, enlarges ... God's promises were to Abraham and to his seed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ix bear up the.htm