JANUARY 23: “PRAYING BOLDLY FOR ALIGNMENT”

In our previous encounter with Abraham, we see him as a father of faith, who left all to follow God. Then we see him, as a forgiver, how he dealt with the crisis between him and Lot. Today, we see another side of Abraham, the one who stood in the gap for a whole nation. We see God pursuing Abraham again and we locate him in the mountains. “The Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre” (18:1). A high mountain plateau where “scrub” oaks grow, where water is located. Three angels came to see Abraham: “Lo, three men stood by him” (18:2).

In (18:17), something interesting was said by God, “Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?” As a result of a deep, intimate relationship that Abraham had with God, the Lord was willing to share his plans with him. It was during this communion with God that God revealed He was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. It becomes clear that communion leads to intercession. Abraham was both a physical Savior and a spiritual intercessor. True love for sinners comes from fellowship with God. Why did Abraham pour out his soul by interceding for the filthy sinners of Sodom? It is because he loved them.

As we step out today, let us be like Abraham, who was unselfish, who was praying for others, and who was thinking of others rather than himself. He stood up for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah as we read in Gen. 18:22b “…but Abraham still stood before God.” Just like Jesus, who stood up for us, we also must stand up for the sinners, the sick, the outcasts and the helpless around us. Remember that aligned hearts intercede for others.

PRAYER: Our Father, we come with humility today, we ask that you remove from us every selfish action. Help us to love and pray for others like Abraham in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.