THE LAW OF FIRST MENTION: INTERCESSORY PRAYER

A prayer offered for the benefit of another is called an intercessory prayer. We intercede for our kids … for the sick … for the nation.  

In the first occurrence of intercessory prayer, Abraham prayed for the decadent and depraved city of Sodom.

God whispered to His servant, “the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is immense, and their sin is extremely serious”(Genesis 18:20). Understanding God’s intention to destroy the wicked city, “Abraham stepped forward and said, ‘Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away instead of sparing the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people who are in it?’ ” (Genesis 18:23–24).

Abraham interceded for a sin-sick city.

Somewhat surprisingly, God said, “okay Abe, if I find fifty righteous people, I’ll spare the city” (Genesis 18:26).

Abraham spoke again. “ ‘Since I have ventured to speak to my lord—even though I am dust and ashes—suppose the fifty righteous lack five. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?’ He replied, ‘I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there’ ” (Genesis 18:27–28).

Undeterred, Abraham pressed the Lord. “How about forty?” (Genesis 18:29). “Thirty? (Genesis 18:30). “Okay, how about twenty?” (Genesis 18:31). “One more time … how about ten? Will you destroy the city if You discover ten righteous people?” (Genesis 18:32).

Each time Abraham asked, God was gracious. At the final request, God said, “I will not destroy it on account of ten”(Genesis 18:32).

Abraham dared to boldly intercede on behalf of others. Might we be so bold in our intercession for others?

“Let us approach the throne of grace with boldness” (Hebrews 4:16).

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).