Feeling acutely the needs of others

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16b KJV).

When God revealed to him that he was going to destroy Sodom, Abraham agonized over the fate of any righteous people that would also be destroyed and pleaded for them. But Sodom was destroyed, so we know there were not even ten people there who were righteous. But because of Abraham’s solemn prayer, his nephew Lot and family were firmly led to safety by the hand for his sake. “When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them”. Genesis 19:16. Lot was “… a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men” 2 Peter 2:7.

Jesus pledged his righteousness and protection on all sinners who believe in him. Let us therefore live right and pray for others that they may be saved from destruction. The blessings of the Lord will flow into our families and our nations.

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"Our prayer must not be self-centered. It must arise not only because we feel our own need as a burden we must lay upon God, but also because we are so bound up in love for our fellow men that we feel their need as acutely as our own. To make intercession for men is the most powerful and practical way in which we can express our love for them." John Calvin

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