Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

BENDING GOD'S MIND

There is a classic story about a man who firmly believed in predestination. Once, after falling down the stairs, he exclaimed, "Well, I'm glad to get that over with!" This humorous incident reminds us there are those who believe nothing can be changed even by prayer. Yet God's Word reminds us that God moves to change things and people as we pray (Genesis 18:23-32).

Abraham received a divine visitor and was told God's plans for the destruction of the wicked cities Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham, being a compassionate man, sought to save the cities through plea bargaining. He asked God not to destroy them if fifty righteous people were found. God agreed and the bargaining continued. God finally promised to spare the cities if ten righteous men were found there. If Abraham had continued beyond ten, would he have been able to save the cities? We do not know the answer to that question for sure, but we do see God moving to change as people pray.

Christ tells us we have the keys to the Kingdom. What we bind on earth is bound in heaven. What we loose here is loosed there. In other words, God only moves among men as we pray. This is why Jesus taught us to pray: Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Today, may we truly learn the impact of prayer and begin to pray with meaning and power.