Topical Bible: Intercessory Prayer: Abraham

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Topical Encyclopedia

Intercessory prayer, the act of praying on behalf of others, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. One of the earliest and most profound examples of intercessory prayer is found in the life of Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelite nation. Abraham's intercession is particularly highlighted in the narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah, where he pleads with God to spare the cities for the sake of the righteous.

Biblical Account

The account of Abraham's intercessory prayer is recorded in Genesis 18:16-33. After receiving the promise of a son through Sarah, Abraham is visited by three men, one of whom is the LORD. As they depart towards Sodom, the LORD reveals to Abraham His intention to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sin. Abraham, standing before the LORD, begins his intercession with a profound sense of justice and compassion.

The Nature of Abraham's Intercession

Abraham's intercession is characterized by humility and boldness. He approaches God with reverence, acknowledging his own unworthiness: "Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes" (Genesis 18:27). Despite his humility, Abraham boldly negotiates with God, appealing to His righteousness and justice. He questions, "Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?" (Genesis 18:23), and proceeds to ask if the city would be spared for the sake of fifty righteous people, gradually reducing the number to ten.

Theological Implications

Abraham's intercession reveals several key theological insights. First, it underscores the character of God as just and merciful. Abraham's appeal is based on the belief that God, as the Judge of all the earth, will do what is right (Genesis 18:25). Second, it highlights the power and importance of intercessory prayer. Abraham's dialogue with God demonstrates that God is willing to engage with His people and consider their petitions. Third, it illustrates the role of a mediator. Abraham stands in the gap between God and the people of Sodom, foreshadowing the ultimate mediation of Christ.

Abraham's Legacy of Intercession

Abraham's intercessory prayer sets a precedent for believers, emphasizing the importance of praying for others, especially for those who are lost or in danger of judgment. His example encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is both willing to listen and able to act according to His perfect will. Abraham's intercession is a testament to the power of prayer and the heart of a faithful servant who desires God's mercy and justice to prevail.

Related Scriptures

· James 5:16 : "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail."
· Hebrews 7:25 : "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them."

Abraham's intercessory prayer remains a powerful example of faith, compassion, and the transformative potential of standing in prayerful advocacy for others before God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 18:23-32
And Abraham drew near, and said, Will you also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Intercessory Prayer
... I. First, then, BY WAY OF COMMENDING THE EXERCISE, let me remind you that intercessory
prayer has been practiced by all ... Take Abraham, the father of the faithful ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

Praying Men at a Premium
... To Abimelech God said, "Abraham is a prophet, and he shall ... king, that they had in
Israel a man of prayer. ... Intercessory prayer is a means of grace to those who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/vi praying men at a.htm

Moses, the Mighty Intercessor
... With Abraham we saw this dearly and strongly enunciated. ... They impressively bring
out the intercessory feature of prayer and disclose Moses in his great ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/iv moses the mighty intercessor.htm

One of Paul's Prayers
... Look at Abraham, taking it upon him to speak unto the ... then, look at Paul, as great
in prayer as he ... Our Lord's Intercessory Prayer is above us: it is beyond us. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xii one of pauls prayers.htm

Chapter xviii
... there is the further possibility of regarding what we see of Abraham as a ... treated
under heads such as "The Boldness of Faith," or "Intercessory Prayer at its ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xviii.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... In the life of the patriarch Abraham prayer seems to have taken the form of a ...
15:1) Moses and Samuel are represented as offering intercessory prayer for Israel ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

The Psalmist --Setting the Lord
... another time we cast our inward eye back on the God of Abraham, and the ... To have seen
and heard His intercessory prayer with His eyes lifted up to Heaven after ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/viii the psalmistsetting the lord.htm

Covenanting Sanctioned by the Divine Example.
... "Now to Abraham and his seed ... at least, we know he repeated on the Cross, and which
is prophetic of his exercises there, and his intercessory prayer, contain at ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ix covenanting sanctioned by.htm

Putting God to Work
... Abraham's intercession for Sodom is a striking illustration of the nature of prayer,
intercourse with God, and showing the intercessory side of prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

Introductory Notice to the Early Liturgies.
... and the Lord chose and appointed the place of which Moses had spoken,"none other
than the spot where Abraham had rehearsed ... The great Intercessory Prayer. XI. ...
/.../various/early liturgies/introductory notice to the early.htm