Bold Prayer

Genesis 18:16-33

Why not go farther? Why stop at ten? That’s the question that jumps out for me at the end of this section. The answer just from the story as a story standpoint I guess would be that Abraham felt he dare not push things any farther. From a theological standpoint we are maybe supposed to see that God does not do things the same whether we pray or not. Prayer matters. Intercession matters. God has a disposition to save, but part of his grace means he wants to partner with us (however unequally), just as he decided to partner with Abraham (verse 17). Maybe he was disappointed Abraham didn’t push him farther!

Human leadership, on the other hand, has a disturbing tolerance for “collateral damage” when violent answers are deemed necessary. We should learn from the one whose disposition is to save.

Prayer:
God, I know I do not pray enough. I know my prayers are not bold enough. It’s hard to persist in something I don’t see immediate answers to. Increase my love for others, and my trust in your even greater care for them. Through Christ. Amen.