Effective PrayerSample

Prayer of Abraham, the Negotiator What caused Abraham to pray? Abraham engaged in a lengthy conversation with God to mediate for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because: • He was motivated to pray out of a Spirit of humility; Abraham learnt to care for others and their needs over himself. • He wanted God to spare the righteous people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah. • He wanted to see his extended family saved from destruction. How did Abraham pray? Abraham prayed according to God’s Will – (Genesis 18:23, Psalm 37:28) Abraham approached the Lord with reverence and humility – (Genesis 18:27, 30, 32) Abraham made a bold request and was persistent – (Genesis 18:22, 25) Abraham drew near to God – (Genesis 18:23) Did God answer Abraham’s prayer? (Genesis 19:29) Abraham did not directly request for Lot and his family to be spared. His negotiation with God began with his concern that the whole city be spared from destruction. The terms that he started negotiation with: if the entire city had 50 good men, it would be spared of God’s wrath. Ultimately, when even ten righteous people could not be found, God’s judgment was executed and the whole city was destroyed. Through all this, God kept in mind the desire in Abraham’s heart. God sent angels to rescue Lot and his two daughters and they were spared. How can we pray like Abraham? When we understand the nature of God, our faith levels will rise. This faith will help us to live our lives and lead us to pray with an expectation of God’s will for us. When we draw close to God, our relationship with the Lord becomes intimate and real. Abraham knew the nature of the God he worshiped and therefore found his freedom to negotiate with God. God shared His plans with Abraham because of the friendship that they shared. When God becomes our friend, He will share His heart with us. We are also called to intercede on behalf of ourselves, our families, our friends and our nation. We should remain persistent in our prayers.