Kansas City, Missouri, United States - Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living - “Persistent Prayers Prevail” – Thursday, 11 September 2014 - Scripture: Genesis 18:26-33

Kansas City, Missouri, United States - Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living - “Persistent Prayers Prevail” – Thursday, 11 September 2014 - Scripture: Genesis 18:26 God said, “If I find fifty decent people in the city of Sodom, I’ll spare the place just for them.”
27-28 Abraham came back, “Do I, a mere mortal made from a handful of dirt, dare open my mouth again to my Master? What if the fifty fall short by five—would you destroy the city because of those missing five?”
He said, “I won’t destroy it if there are forty-five.”
29 Abraham spoke up again, “What if you only find forty?”
“Neither will I destroy it if for forty.”
30 He said, “Master, don’t be irritated with me, but what if only thirty are found?”
“No, I won’t do it if I find thirty.”
31 He pushed on, “I know I’m trying your patience, Master, but how about for twenty?”
“I won’t destroy it for twenty.”
32 He wouldn’t quit, “Don’t get angry, Master—this is the last time. What if you only come up with ten?”
“For the sake of only ten, I won’t destroy the city.”
33 When God finished talking with Abraham, he left. And Abraham went home.
“Persistent Prayers Prevail” by Nina Gunter

Abraham had an interesting prayer life. After God told him of the “outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah,” He listened to Abraham’s intercession. Abraham did not give up and call the situation hopeless: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
In Abraham we see one of the greatest missionaries in the Bible. Abraham cared about people, and his concern took action. Because of his personal relationship with God, saw others through God’s eyes and interceded on their behalf. Genesis 18:22 says, “Abraham remained standing before the LORD” (Genesis 18:22). Can prayers be answered if they are not offered? Certainly not.
Abraham’s story raises some questions for us: what role does prayer play in our lives? For what, or whom, do we pray? Are we prevailing in prayer for our families, our churches, and the unreached peoples of the world?
A small minority, a remnant, can make an eternal difference, Today, the condition of the world is similar to Sodom and Gomorrah's. There is hope, however,  when a minority prays for God’s redemptive purposes to be realized and for truth to prevail.
Hymn for Today:

"Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us" by Dorothy A. Thrupp
1. Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
2. We are Thine, do Thou befriend us,
Be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray.
3. Thou hast promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and pow'r to free:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee.
4. Early let us seek Thy favor,
Early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With Thy love our bosoms fill:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still.

Thought for Today:

“God works in the world as a covenant partner in a genuine relationship with His covenant people”(Session Truth)
Prayer Needs:
That many young people in Cuba will be called into full-time Christian ministry.
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