I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting.
–1 Timothy 2:8
In today’s verse, Paul tells people to pray “without anger and doubting.” This includes you and me, too.
But Paul’s words were nothing new. Prayer has been the lifeline of godly men and women since the beginning of time.
Abraham prayed for his nephew, Lot, when God was about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of their intense immorality. Abraham knew Lot and his family were at risk, so he pleaded for their lives to be spared.
“O, God,” he said, “if you find 50 righteous people, will you please save Sodom?”
God replied that He would.
“What if there are just 40, 30, 20, or even ten righteous ones?”
“I will not destroy the city for the sake of ten righteous people,” God replied. God knew that even a handful of earnest, praying believers could turn a whole city around. He promised He would not destroy the righteous with the wicked (Genesis 18:20-33).
Sadly, the cities were so corrupt, there weren’t even ten of God’s friends in them.
Who do you know in need of being rescued from a Sodom and Gomorrah-like existence? Pray for them. Reach out to them, showing them how amazing God’s love is.
Prayer
Lord in Heaven, Please help me to follow Abraham’s example by sincerely praying for others. Please banish all my anger and doubt. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Reflection
How can I pray like Abraham for people in this lost and sinful world?