Topical Bible: Intercessory Prayer: Abraham's Servant

Bible > Topical > Intercessory Prayer

◄ Intercessory Prayer: Abraham's Servant ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Intercessory prayer is a profound aspect of biblical faith, where an individual seeks divine intervention on behalf of others. One of the earliest examples of intercessory prayer in the Bible is found in the account of Abraham's servant, who is traditionally identified as Eliezer of Damascus, though the text does not explicitly name him in this context. This narrative is located in Genesis 24, where the servant is tasked with finding a wife for Isaac, Abraham's son.

Context and Background

Abraham, the patriarch of the Hebrew people, was advanced in age and concerned about securing a suitable wife for his son Isaac, through whom God's covenant promises would continue. He called upon his most trusted servant to undertake a journey to his homeland to find a wife from among his relatives, rather than from the Canaanites among whom they dwelt. This mission was of utmost importance, as it was directly tied to the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham.

The Prayer of the Servant

Upon reaching the city of Nahor, the servant engaged in intercessory prayer, seeking God's guidance and favor in his mission. His prayer is recorded in Genesis 24:12-14 :

"Then he prayed, 'O LORD, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. Here I am, standing beside the spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a young woman, "Please let down your jar that I may drink," and she replies, "Drink, and I will water your camels too"—let her be the one You have chosen for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.'"

This prayer is notable for its specificity and reliance on God's providence. The servant's request for a sign demonstrates his faith in God's ability to guide and provide, as well as his desire to fulfill his master's wishes in accordance with divine will.

God's Response

Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. The narrative continues in Genesis 24:15-19 , where Rebekah's actions precisely match the servant's prayer, confirming God's answer to his intercession. This immediate response underscores the power and efficacy of intercessory prayer when aligned with God's purposes.

Significance

The account of Abraham's servant highlights several key aspects of intercessory prayer:

1. Faith and Dependence on God: The servant's prayer reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty and a recognition that success in his mission depends entirely on divine intervention.

2. Alignment with God's Will: The servant's prayer was not for personal gain but was aligned with God's covenant promises to Abraham. This alignment is crucial for effective intercession.

3. Specificity in Prayer: The servant's request was specific, demonstrating that intercessory prayer can involve detailed petitions that seek clear guidance and confirmation from God.

4. God's Faithfulness: The swift and precise answer to the servant's prayer illustrates God's faithfulness to His promises and His willingness to respond to the prayers of those who seek His will.

The account of Abraham's servant serves as an enduring example of intercessory prayer, encouraging believers to approach God with faith, specificity, and a heart aligned with His purposes. Through this narrative, the Bible affirms that God listens to and acts upon the prayers of His people, especially when they seek His guidance and favor for the fulfillment of His divine plans.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 24:12-14
And he said O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray you, send me good speed this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Putting God to Work
... intercourse with God, and showing the intercessory side of ... To Abraham God is existent,
approachable, and all ... words as these, words about prayer, which are the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

The Epistle of St. James
... are for ever in a passion or a prayer.' But he ... towards persons miserable in it, is
the servant of sin ... When our father Abraham offered his son Isaac on the altar ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm