Section 1
The passage opens with God’s reflection on Abraham’s unique role in His plan. Abraham has been singled out to lead his descendants in righteousness, and the Lord assures that every promise made to him will be fulfilled without fail. When God reveals the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, the description is not because He needs to investigate—His omniscience is certain—but to engage Abraham in what is about to unfold. This conversation is crafted for Abraham’s benefit, especially because his nephew Lot lives in Sodom. God is giving Abraham an opportunity to intercede, to “stand in the gap” for someone who would otherwise be swept away in judgment. The emphasis is not on Abraham’s ability to save the city, which was beyond hope, but on his ability to plead for the life of a loved one.
Section 2
The teaching moves from Abraham’s situation to a broader truth: there are people in each of our lives for whom we may be the only one willing—or even aware enough—to stand in the gap. We should not assume that others will pray for them simply because they are surrounded by believers. Standing in the gap is not about taking responsibility for someone’s soul, as each person is accountable for their own decisions, but about fulfilling a ministry of intercession entrusted to us by God. The speaker shares his own example of praying daily for his sister, confident that few, if any, others are doing so. This burden to intercede is both a privilege and a responsibility, grounded in love and in obedience to the Spirit’s prompting.
Section 3
Standing in the gap is not limited to the unsaved or spiritually vulnerable; it also extends to those who serve in ministry at high levels, often under intense spiritual pressure. Such leaders need substantial prayer covering, and God often places them on the hearts of believers to support in this way. The speaker encourages attentiveness to moments when someone comes to mind unexpectedly, as this may be a prompting from the Lord to pray for them immediately, even briefly. He shares instances of praying for such individuals only to have them reach out soon after, affirming the importance of sensitivity to the Spirit. The lesson concludes with a call to be alert, intentional, and faithful in this ministry of intercession, recognizing its vital place in God’s work.
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En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.