Finally Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry so that I may speak just once more. What if ten are found there?” He replied, “I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.”
Genesis 18:32 NET
Most people are familiar with the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, the wicked cities that God destroyed with fire and brimstone. Intermixed with that story, and related to it, is the story of Abraham interceding with God for any godly people living in the cities, including his nephew Lot.
Abraham initially appealed to God to spare Sodom if 50 righteous people lived there. Once God granted that request, Abraham appealed on behalf of 45, then 40, 30, 20, and finally ten godly people. And each time, God granted his request.
But God did not find ten godly people in Sodom, and the city was destroyed. However, God did not forget Abraham’s prayer. As the story unfolded, Lot and his family were rescued from the destruction in response to Abraham’s prayer (Gen. 19:29).
Abraham’s bargaining with God may seem strange to us. But this is an example of intercessory prayer, interceding with God on behalf of other people. It is wrestling in prayer (Col. 4:12), seeking for the welfare and growth of God’s people.
You might feel apprehensive about praying like this; Abraham certainly did. But God showed no sign of irritation with Abraham. And he honored his prayer and delivered Lot out of the destruction of Sodom.
We can never go wrong by praying for other believers—interceding on their behalf. Pray for their health, deliverance from the enemy, and, most of all, growth as believers and servants of the Lord. Don’t be afraid to get dirty, wrestling with God on behalf of your brothers and sisters in Christ.
