“Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live.” (Gen 20:7)

Often I am amazed and perplexed by the awesome power God has attributed and given to prayer.

Abraham lied to Abimelech about Sarah his wife, “She’s my sister” he said. So Abimelech takes Sarah for himself.

God intervenes and in a dream threatens to take Abimelech’s life if Sarah is not restored to her rightful husband. The text isn’t clear if he was smitten with some sort of disease, but it wouldn’t surprise me considering the treatment given to an offender of the past (Gen 12:17).

God told Abimilech that he would be healed, but only after Sarah is returned and Abraham, the prophet, had prayed for him.

Here’s my question: Why didn’t God just set the condition for the return of Sarah? Why did He add that Abraham be the agent in prayer?

I think it speaks significantly about God’s desire for us to pray and the power He gives to it. It was only two chapters ago (Gen 18) that we find Abraham once again playing the part as intercessor.

This text reminds me of two things:

1. Prayer isn’t for changing the mind of God (God was the one who orchestrated the request).
2. God somehow gives weight to prayer for the accomplishment of His will.

Lord make me a prayer warrior.