Bold Prayer: Interceding for Justice and Mercy
Summary
Today’s gathering centers on the story of Abraham’s bold, persistent prayer for Sodom and Gomorrah—a story that invites us to re-examine what it means to pray, to intercede, and to trust in God’s justice and mercy. We began by remembering that each of us comes seeking God, longing to connect our lives with the ongoing story of faith. Through singing, storytelling, and prayer, we entered into the ancient narrative of Abraham, who dared to “pester” God on behalf of the innocent, showing us a model of prayer that is both courageous and compassionate.
The heart of the Genesis story is not about the sins we may have been taught to expect, but about injustice, violence, and a failure to care for the vulnerable. The prophets Ezekiel and Isaiah clarify that Sodom’s sin was pride, complacency, and neglect of the poor and oppressed. Abraham’s response is not to stand apart in judgment, but to draw near to God and plead for mercy for the sake of the innocent. This is a model of solidarity—when the suffering of others becomes our own, and we are moved to intercede.
Abraham’s persistent, even “annoying,” prayer is not met with God’s irritation, but with welcome. This challenges our assumptions about prayer. Rather than polite, distant, or formulaic prayers, we are invited into a relationship with God that is close, honest, and bold. Jesus echoes this in Luke 11, teaching his disciples to pray with persistence, to “ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, knock and keep on knocking.” Prayer, then, is not about changing God, but about joining God’s work in the world and allowing ourselves to be changed.
We are called to pray not just for ourselves, but for others—for the suffering, the vulnerable, the oppressed. Our prayers become acts of solidarity and participation in God’s justice and mercy. As we light candles and name those for whom we plead, we embody Abraham’s intercession, trusting that God welcomes our pestering and our passion for justice.
Key Takeaways
- Persistent Prayer is Welcomed, Not Annoying
Abraham’s repeated pleas for Sodom show that God is not irritated by our persistence. Instead, God welcomes our boldness and engagement, inviting us to bring our deepest concerns again and again. This persistence is not a lack of faith, but a sign of trust in God’s character and a willingness to enter into real relationship with the Divine. [23:55]
- The True Sin of Sodom: Injustice and Neglect of the Vulnerable
Contrary to common interpretations, the sin of Sodom was not about sexual immorality, but about pride, violence, and a failure to care for the poor and oppressed. The prophets and the Genesis narrative make clear that God’s anger is stirred by injustice and the mistreatment of the vulnerable. This calls us to examine our own lives and communities for ways we may be complicit in similar failures. [31:57]
- Prayer as Solidarity and Advocacy
Abraham’s intercession is an act of solidarity—he identifies with the suffering of others and pleads for their well-being. True prayer is not just about our own needs, but about standing with those who are hurting, letting their pain become our own, and advocating for them before God. This is a call to let our hearts be moved by the suffering around us and to respond with compassion and action. [35:53]
- Prayer Changes Us, Not Just Our Circumstances
While we may approach prayer hoping to change God’s mind or alter circumstances, the deeper work of prayer is how it transforms us. As we persist in prayer, especially for others, we become more attuned to God’s justice and mercy, and more willing to participate in God’s work in the world. Prayer is a means by which God shapes our hearts and aligns us with the divine mission. [46:18]
- Boldness in Prayer Flows from Trust in God’s Justice and Mercy
Abraham’s confidence to plead for mercy is rooted in his trust in God’s justice. We are invited to the same boldness—not because we are worthy, but because God’s character is trustworthy. When we truly believe in God’s justice, we can plead for mercy, knowing that God’s heart is for restoration, not destruction. [56:47]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[16:24] - The Power of Singing Together
[18:00] - Children’s Story: Abraham’s Bold Prayer
[23:55] - The Value of Persistent Prayer
[29:31] - Genesis: Humanity’s Brokenness and God’s Response
[31:57] - Abraham’s Call and God’s Promise
[35:53] - The Real Sin of Sodom and Gomorrah
[46:18] - Lighting Candles: Pleading for Others
[48:30] - Community Prayers and Intercessions
[51:42] - Offering and Mission in Action
[56:47] - Thanksgiving and the Lord’s Prayer
[01:01:34] - Announcements and Community Life
[01:04:51] - CUNA Days and Sharing the Gospel
[01:06:37] - Bible Camp Reflections
[01:13:07] - Final Announcements and Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Abraham’s Bold Prayer and God’s Justice
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### Bible Reading
Genesis 18:20-33 (ESV)
> Then the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.”
> So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”
> And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”
> Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.”
> Again he spoke to him and said, “Suppose forty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.”
> Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Suppose thirty are found there.” He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.”
> He said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.”
> Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.”
> And the Lord went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.
Ezekiel 16:49 (ESV)
> Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.
Luke 11:5-10 (ESV)
> And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs.
> And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 18, what specific reasons does Abraham give for pleading with God to spare Sodom? What does he appeal to in God’s character?
2. According to Ezekiel 16:49, what were the real sins of Sodom? How does this compare to what people often assume about Sodom’s sin? ([31:57])
3. In Luke 11, what does Jesus teach about persistence in prayer? What story does he use to illustrate this? ([43:00])
4. How does God respond to Abraham’s repeated requests? Does God ever get annoyed or angry with Abraham’s persistence? ([35:53])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Abraham was so bold in his prayers for Sodom, even though he knew about the city’s problems? What does this say about his relationship with God? ([35:53])
2. The sermon points out that Sodom’s sin was injustice, pride, and neglect of the vulnerable, not what many people assume. How does this change the way we think about God’s justice and what angers God? ([31:57])
3. Jesus encourages his followers to “ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, knock and keep on knocking.” What does this kind of persistence reveal about our trust in God? ([43:00])
4. The sermon says that prayer is not just about changing God’s mind, but about changing us. How might persistent prayer for others shape our own hearts and actions? ([46:18])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon describes Abraham’s prayer as “pestering” God, and says God welcomes this kind of bold, persistent prayer. When was the last time you prayed persistently for something or someone? Did you feel like you were pestering God? How did you experience God’s response? ([23:55])
2. The real sin of Sodom was injustice, pride, and neglect of the poor and vulnerable. Are there ways you see these same issues in your own life, community, or church? What is one step you could take to address them? ([31:57])
3. Abraham’s prayer was an act of solidarity—he let the suffering of others move him to action. Who in your life or in the world do you feel called to “stand with” in prayer and advocacy right now? ([35:53])
4. The sermon says that prayer changes us, not just our circumstances. Can you think of a time when praying for someone else changed your attitude, your actions, or your understanding of God’s justice and mercy? ([46:18])
5. Jesus teaches us to pray with persistence, not giving up. Is there a situation or person you have given up praying for? What would it look like to start praying persistently again? ([43:00])
6. The sermon invites us to pray not just for ourselves, but for others—especially the suffering, vulnerable, and oppressed. This week, who is one person or group you can commit to pray for every day? How might you also act on their behalf? ([35:53])
7. Abraham’s boldness in prayer came from his trust in God’s justice and mercy. What helps you trust God’s character enough to pray boldly? Are there doubts or fears that hold you back? How can you bring those honestly to God in prayer? ([56:47])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to name aloud (or silently) someone or a situation they want to “pester” God about this week, and close by asking God to give the group courage, compassion, and trust as they pray and act for justice and mercy.
Devotional
Day 1: Persistent Prayer: Pleading Boldly with God
Abraham’s conversation with God over Sodom and Gomorrah reveals that God welcomes persistent, even “pestering” prayer. Rather than being annoyed, God listens patiently as Abraham pleads repeatedly for mercy on behalf of the innocent. This story shows that it is not only acceptable but even encouraged to bring our deepest concerns to God again and again, trusting that God’s heart is open to our honest, bold prayers. When we pray persistently, we are invited into a closer relationship with God, one marked by trust and active participation in God’s justice and mercy. [23:55]
Genesis 18:22-33 (ESV)
Then the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” Again he spoke to him and said, “Suppose forty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.” Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Suppose thirty are found there.” He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.” He said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.” Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” And the Lord went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.
Reflection: Who is someone in your life or in the world for whom you feel called to “pester” God in prayer today? Will you take time to boldly and persistently bring their needs before God?
Day 2: God’s Justice and Mercy: Trusting God’s Character
Abraham’s intercession is rooted in his deep trust in God’s justice and mercy. He appeals to God’s character, confident that the Judge of all the earth will act justly and mercifully. This trust empowers us to pray with boldness, knowing that God’s justice is not cold or distant but is always intertwined with compassion. When we pray, we are invited to name God’s goodness and to trust that God’s heart is for the vulnerable, the innocent, and the suffering. [35:53]
Genesis 18:25 (ESV)
“Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God’s justice and mercy more deeply? How might naming God’s character in your prayers change the way you approach God today?
Day 3: The True Sin of Sodom: Injustice, Violence, and Neglect of the Vulnerable
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is often misunderstood, but scripture and the prophets clarify that their true sin was injustice, violence, pride, and a failure to care for the poor and needy. God’s anger is directed at those who oppress, exploit, and harm others, especially the vulnerable. This calls us to examine our own lives and communities, to seek justice, help the oppressed, and defend those in need, aligning ourselves with God’s heart for mercy and justice. [31:57]
Ezekiel 16:49-50 (ESV)
Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. They were haughty and did an abomination before me. So I removed them, when I saw it.
Reflection: Where do you see injustice or neglect of the vulnerable around you? What is one concrete step you can take this week to help someone in need?
Day 4: Jesus Teaches Us to Pray with Persistence
When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, he not only gave them the Lord’s Prayer but also told a story about persistent asking—a neighbor who keeps knocking until help is given. Jesus encourages us to “ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened.” Persistent prayer is not about wearing God down, but about growing in faith, humility, and partnership with God’s work in the world. [41:30]
Luke 11:5-10 (ESV)
And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have given up praying? Will you commit to persistently bringing this need before God, trusting that God welcomes your prayers?
Day 5: Prayer Changes Us: Joining God’s Work in the World
Prayer is not just about changing God’s mind; it is about God changing us. As we pray for others, especially the suffering and vulnerable, our hearts are shaped to be more like Christ’s—full of compassion, courage, and a willingness to act. Through prayer, we join God’s mission of justice and mercy, becoming living intercessions for others and partners in God’s ongoing story of redemption. [56:47]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Reflection: As you pray for others today, how might God be inviting you to become part of the answer to your own prayers? What step can you take to join God’s work of justice and mercy this week?
Quotes
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