Topical Encyclopedia Abram, later known as Abraham, is a pivotal figure in the Bible, renowned for his faith and obedience to God. His life offers significant insights into the practice of social and family prayer, as he is depicted as a man who maintained a close relationship with God through communication and worship.Family Prayer Abram's role as the patriarch of his family is evident in his leadership in spiritual matters. In Genesis 12:7-8 , we see Abram building altars to the LORD as he journeys through the land of Canaan. "Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, 'I will give this land to your offspring.' So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. From there he moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD." These altars were not only places of sacrifice but also of prayer and worship, indicating Abram's commitment to leading his family in the worship of God. Abram's practice of building altars and calling on the name of the LORD suggests a regular pattern of family prayer and devotion. His actions set a precedent for his household, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging God in all aspects of life. This practice of family prayer would have been a means of teaching his family about God's promises and faithfulness, as well as a way to seek divine guidance and blessing. Social Prayer Abram's interactions with others also reflect his commitment to prayer and worship. In Genesis 14:18-20 , after Abram's victory over the kings, he encounters Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High. "Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High—and he blessed Abram and said: 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything." This encounter highlights a moment of social prayer and blessing, where Abram acknowledges God's provision and sovereignty in the presence of others. Furthermore, Abram's intercession for Sodom in Genesis 18:22-33 is a profound example of social prayer. When God reveals His plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Abram stands before the LORD and pleads for the cities, demonstrating his concern for others and his belief in God's justice and mercy. "Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD. Abraham stepped forward and said, 'Will You really sweep away the righteous with the wicked?'" Abram's dialogue with God is a powerful example of intercessory prayer, where he seeks to mediate on behalf of others. Legacy of Prayer Abram's life of prayer, both within his family and in social contexts, establishes a model for believers. His consistent communication with God, whether through building altars, interceding for others, or acknowledging God's blessings, underscores the importance of prayer as a foundational aspect of faith. Abram's example encourages believers to cultivate a life of prayer that encompasses personal devotion, family worship, and intercession for the broader community. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 12:5,8And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Chapter xvi The Purification of the virgin and the Presentation in the Temple Babylonia and Assyria Resources Questions about Prayer (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the purpose of prayer? | GotQuestions.org What is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.org Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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