June 30, 2008

Text: Genesis 18
Theme: Significant Prayers

LEARNING ABOUT PRAYER

1. There is much to learn
a) General Knowledge (Instruction)

b) Deeper insight

c) Encouragement

2. Sources
a) Contemporary books

b) Biblical Source

3. Goals
a) Improvement

b) Ministry

PRAYER FOR SODOM AND GOMORRAH

1. Information from the Lord
a) Outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah    Genesis 18:20

b) Grave sin    Genesis 18:20

c) Personal Visit from God    Genesis 18:21

2. Intercession from Abraham
a) Involvement
"Abraham still stood before the LORD"    Genesis 18:22

"And Abraham came near and said..."    Genesis 18:23

b) Concern
"Would you also destroy the righteous with the wicked?"    Genesis 18:23

"I have taken it upon myself to speak to the LORD"    Genesis 18:27, 31
    i) Destruction

    ii) Destruction of the righteous    Genesis 18:25

    iii) About the name of the Judge of the earth    Genesis 18:25

3. Interaction from God

a) At every point in prayer, there was interaction from God

b) Significance
i)    God is willing to hear

ii)    God is willing to consider

iii)    God is willing to concede

4. Intercessory language

a) Humility
"Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the LORD?"    Genesis 18:27

b) Thought
i) Pleading for the righteous 50, 45, 40, 30, 20, 10    Genesis 18:26-32

ii) Thinking carefully before presenting numbers to God in prayer

c) Probe
i) The mind of God

ii) The will of God

d) Awareness (of significance of presentation of items)
"Let not the LORD be angry, and I will speak: Supposing thirty should be found there?"    Genesis 18:30

"Let not the LORD be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?"    Genesis 18:32
    i) Man as but "dust and ashes"    Genesis 18:27

    ii) God... and possible anger    Genesis 18:30, 32