“Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” (Genesis 18:23)

There are moments when praying for someone else feels like the only thing we can do. When the weight of their situation is beyond our ability to fix, all we can do is take it to God. Abraham shows us how powerful those prayers can be. In Genesis 18, as God prepares to bring judgment on Sodom, Abraham boldly steps in—not to argue, but to plead for mercy.

It’s easy to focus on this passage as a story of destruction, but the heart of it is actually about mercy. Abraham talks with God, not just about Lot, but about the whole city. He dares to ask whether God will spare everyone if even a small group of righteous people can be found. With each question, he inches the number lower—fifty, forty-five, thirty, ten. And each time, God listens.

This kind of prayer isn’t about manipulation. It’s about trusting that God is merciful. It’s about learning His heart. Abraham doesn’t change God’s mind—he uncovers what’s already there: patience, compassion, and a willingness to save.

We may never face a situation as extreme as Abraham’s, but we all know what it’s like to stand in the gap for someone who’s hurting. Maybe it’s a child who’s walked away from God. Maybe it’s a friend battling addiction. Maybe it’s a world that feels too far gone. The truth is, we’re not powerless. Intercession is our invitation to partner with God’s mercy.

Even more comforting is the truth that we aren’t doing this alone. Scripture tells us that Jesus Himself is interceding for us. Even when we don’t know how to pray, He’s already praying. He sees our fears, our heartbreak, and even our hesitation to hope again—and He brings those things before the Father.

Abraham’s story reminds us that bold prayers matter. God invites us to approach Him with honesty, persistence, and faith. Not only does He hear us—He welcomes the conversation. He doesn’t shut Abraham down. He engages with him. And He’ll do the same with us.

Maybe you’ve been praying for someone for a long time and you’re starting to feel discouraged. Maybe you’ve stopped praying because it feels like nothing is changing. But if Abraham’s story tells us anything, it’s that our prayers reach the heart of God—even when the outcome isn’t what we expected.

So who is God calling you to stand in the gap for today? Ask boldly. Trust deeply. And remember, you’re not alone. Jesus is praying, too.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for listening when I pray. Thank You for showing us through Abraham that our prayers matter to You. Give me the courage to pray boldly, not just for myself but for others. Teach me to trust in Your mercy and justice. And when I don’t have the words, remind me that Jesus is already interceding for me. In His name I pray, Amen.

Want to explore this topic more deeply and hear the full story behind this passage? Listen to the full episode here: Interceding Before God