The wonderful truth that God moves our hearts to pray is revealed in Scripture. Philippians 2:13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.8 This implies that God is actively involved in shaping our desires, including prompting us to seek His will in prayer. Considering such matters …
Abraham wholeheartedly believed that God answers prayers, a truth he had experienced throughout his life. God does not always respond in the way we expect or with the outcomes we fully desire, but according to His perfect will and grace. I remember praying for an eight-month-old infant suffering from a liver disease. As I laid …
In the story of Abraham interceding for Sodom, we can see that God values the righteous. Genesis 18: 32 Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the …
Persistent intercessory prayer is a gift from the Lord that can change lives. It allows us to plead another person’s case before Him. The primary purpose of intercession is to convey to God what the Holy Spirit inspires within us, thereby releasing His power. Prayer doesn’t stop at making requests for ourselves; it extends to …
Abraham offered bold yet humble prayers to God as he interceded on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Lord spoke to Abraham about the wickedness of these cities and how there had been cries about their flagrant sin. Their sin was so great that the Lord Himself was going to visit them. (Ref. Genesis 18:20-21) …
We are to pray and intercede in difficult relationships. Abraham interceded for Lot and Sodom. Genesis 18: 23 Abraham approached him (God) and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? 24 Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their …
God’s transparency and friendship are hallmarks of the relationship between the Lord and Abraham. God discusses with the two angels whether to involve Abraham in His plan. This brief conversation offers insight into the Lord’s desire to include us in His work. Genesis 18:16 Then the men got up from their meal and looked out toward …
In this week’s story, Esther continues interceding for God’s people. Haman is dead, but his decree against the Jews still stands and is irrevocable. Even though Esther is insulated in the palace, she still cares for her people and fashioned her pleas to show that concern. She was willing to go before the king again, …
Something significant happens spiritually when God’s people intercede or fail to do so. In the book of Ezekiel, some sobering verses tell us what happens when God’s people fail to intercede. Ezekiel 22:30 I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the …
Intercession in our last hour may not be on our hearts until the Holy Spirit prompts us. I remember an older lady in our church who, in the latter part of her life, could not get out due to health reasons. Because of this, she transitioned into being a full-time prayer warrior. Her prayers brought …