On Praying for Sodom
Taken from Genesis for Everyone Part 2
Description
On Praying for Sodom
Genesis 18: 21-33
Yesterday we prayed in church, as we usually do, for God to grant peace and goodwill among nations. It is tempting to feel cynical about such prayers. Does God listen to them? Do they make a difference? Would it make a difference if we gave up praying for the nations (many churches do not do it)? But I remember someone suggesting that churches praying for peace and justice in the world may do more to hold back the forces of disorder than all our diplomatic activity to this end. At least Christians need to be wary lest being active in politics and social action alongside agnostics and atheists makes us forget also to do the vital thing that agnostics and atheists won’t do, to pray for the world. Abraham’s conversation with God supports that comment. Thinking about it over the years has made me add praying for the nation to my own prayers, where I confess it did not have a place before...