Prayer Through the Generations

Introduction

Regarding the origins of prayer, there are two traditions, two schools of thought.

The first says that prayer began with the institution of the priestly dynasty. From Aaron onward, Scripture presents the priests as representatives of the people before God, called to intercede in prayer for the chosen nation.

The second tradition presents the patriarchs as the first practitioners of prayer. I believe the second tradition is the more likely one. In fact, from the very first pages of the Bible, even though there is no temple, no priests, no Ark of the Lord, no lampstand, and so on, Scripture presents individuals who pray, call upon, and speak with the Lord.

Through three patriarchs presented in the book of Genesis, I desire to encourage each one of us in prayer.

1. Abraham

The first patriarch I want to consider is Abraham. In Genesis 19:27, Scripture tells us that the patriarch rose early in the morning to pray. The expression “to stand” is a clear reference to prayer. This term means “to stand in front of a superior as an offering.”

It is evident that Abraham was praying. He is the one who takes the initiative, and his prayer is a prayer of intercession.

Application

Often our prayer is the result of an external event: a difficulty, a problem, an occasion, or a prayer meeting becomes the element that pushes us to pray.

But tonight, I desire that my prayer would be an intentional prayer. A prayer that is born from my desire. A prayer that is the fruit of my initiative, moved by the work of the Holy Spirit.

In Genesis 19, Abraham does not pray for himself, but for others. The patriarch intercedes for Sodom. In the same way, the Lord is looking for men and women who will intercede in prayer.

The danger is that the prayers we lift up to God can become self-focused requests, with no real concern for others or for our neighbour.

Lord, help us to intercede!

For whom do you need to pray? For whom do you want to fight in prayer? For whom will you shed tears tonight? Upon whom do you desire God to pour out His Spirit?

2. Isaac

We find Isaac’s prayer in Genesis 24:63. It is a prayer in the late afternoon.

The term used for prayer is “meditate”: Isaac went out into the fields to meditate.

This term reveals an important aspect of prayer. Meditation refers to “speaking to oneself in low tones as a way to establish or clarify proper thought.”

Isaac had made prayer a time of clarification. It was a time in which speaking with God allowed Isaac to clear his thoughts.

In Isaac’s case, this time of clarification was extremely necessary, because shortly afterward he would meet his future wife, Rebekah.

Application

Like Isaac, we too need to clear our thoughts. And no one can clarify what we need to do better than the Lord.

Perhaps, just like Isaac, you are called to make decisions that will have a great impact on your life. Do not be caught unprepared. Instead, let us allow the Spirit of God to explain to us how things truly are and what decisions we need to make.

3. Jacob

The final episode is found in Genesis 28:12.

During the night, Jacob had an encounter with God. Jacob was not looking for God, but God found Jacob.

Application

This nighttime prayer teaches us that God persists in meeting us. He is ready to reach us.

It does not matter if you are running away like Jacob. It does not matter if, like the patriarch, you have no intention of spending time in prayer. There is a God who is ready to meet you.

Conclusion

Three patriarchs. Three very different prayers.

These three prayers teach us that there is no better time to pray, no better way to pray, and no better place to pray. Rather, they remind us that there is a God who is ready to listen to us and to act on our behalf.

These prayers teach us that every generation needs to discover the power of prayer: not only Abraham, but also Isaac; not only Isaac, but also Jacob.