The Release of Prayer

Reference: Genesis 18:16-33
1/9/2012 1:52:38 AM

Genesis 18:32 Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.” 33 When the Lord had finished his conversation with Abraham, he went on his way, and Abraham returned to his tent.

There comes a time in our life when we assess and take stock of what we've accomplished in life, and what we aspire to for the remaining years. Abraham had probably been in that age where he had both success and regret. Times like this also carry a lot of introspection, self-doubt, and sadness.

During our own time of fasting and prayer, we need to come into contact with these same strangers. The Lord used this encounter to speak a promise to Abraham... to remind him and reinforce the promise God made to him. And then it was a time when Abraham did his final bid in behalf of the nephew he lost.

Intercession does that. When we know our God, and entrust our loved ones to him, we can rest in that. There comes a time in our intercession when we feel a release, when we know that we can "go on our way and return to our tent." This release is what we look for in our seasons of prayer. The difficulties may still be ongoing, or they may be up ahead, but our heart can rest if we've talked to the Lord about it.

Lord, you see the travails of our heart. You see our trouble and grief. You see the unsettled issues we contend with in our lives and in our thoughts. And we bring these things to you. Help us not to be remiss in speaking to you about the issues that trouble us and our loved ones. We sit silent to hear your voice and know your view. We ask for your intervention, and we rest in the knowledge that you have stooped down into our lives and involved yourself in our affairs when you sent your Son to give us new life. Your Spirit moves and is alive today. You are Emmanuel, God with us. Thank you.