In Genesis 15 Abram has a vision, but we don’t like to talk about those in fundamental circles today. So, let’s call it a ‘D.M.I.’ a “Dynamic Mental Impression.” Gen. 15:2, I believe is a prayer, “And Abram said, “Lord GOD, (Adonai Yehovah) what wilt Thou give me, seeing I go childless and the steward (heir) of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus.” In Gen. 15:6 we have the affirmation of his faith in the LORD, “And he believed in the LORD; and He counted it to him for righteousness.” The word for ‘believed’ in Hebrew is (Aw-mane). To verify, confirm, or agree with hardily. How we need the Amen of faith today especially in prayer. Martin Luther said, “And make your Amen strong!” The object of Abram’s faith was God Himself. He was called, “The friend of God.” II Chron. 20:7; Isa. 41:8; James 2:23, “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness; and he was called the friend of God.”

It would be important for you to read Gen. 15:7-21 where GOD cuts a covenant with Abraham and not the other way around. This covenant is permanent and unconditional, Abraham is asleep. He simply prepares the animals by killing most of them and splitting them apart, three of the five, v. 9, “”Take Me a heifer of three years old, and a she-goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtle dove, and a young pigeon.” Five animals representing the five offerings of Leviticus and  a “Pillar of Smoke and a Pillar of Fire” passed between them, v.17. and v.18 “In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram.” An unconditional. eternal covenant for the land from  the river of Egypt, the ‘Wadi-el Arish to the Euphrates, not the Nile River. A river just south of Kadesh- barnea in the Gaza strip. This is just a reconfirmation of Gen. 13:14-15. What a chapter, you have ‘Prayer in v. 2; Sacrifice in v. 10; and Worship in vv. 17-18″ at the altar by Mamre (fatness) in Hebron (communion). Prayer – Sacrifice – Worship, all at an altar Abraham built. Chapter 16 Sarai’s scheme with Hagar fails; chapter 17 Abram’s name is changed to Abraham, “Father of a multitude and Sarai’s name is changed to Sarah, “Princess, or Noble Woman.” Chapter 18 three men show up to dine with Abraham and reveal the LORD’s plans for Sodom’s destruction, two angels and the LORD Himself. Chapter 19 Sodom and Gomorrah are destroyed and Lot and his two daughters are rescued. Chapter 20 Abraham has another lapse in Gerar and lies about Sarah once again and this time she is 90 and still beautiful. Abraham has to pray for Abimelech or God won’t heal him and his people, God is limited many times by our prayers. Or man’s blessings are dependent upon our prayers, we will come back to this.  Abimelech is innocent but God is just!

In Gen. 21 after Abraham’s lapse in Gerar lots of things happen, Isaac is born, Hagar is cast out, and Abraham settles in Beer-Sheba. Now it does not specifically mention the word altar here but I believe it is specifically, ‘Implied!’ First – a covenant is cut , implying the Sacrifice of animals! Second – Abraham plants a grove and calls upon the name of the LORD, ‘El Olam’ the ‘Everlasting God’ implying Prayer! Third – Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, offers a sacrifice in Beer-sheba (The well of seven oaths) on his way to Egypt to meet Joseph after 22 years implying Worship in Gen. 46:1! I believe Abraham built the altar after Abimelech and Phicol left. He built it for “Prayer, Sacrifice and Worship!” Why, because he is going to live there with his family for many days v. 34. In fact, I believe all the rest of his days. His first concern was God, then his family, but especially his family worshiping his God. Who is with him, Sarah, Isaac, Eliezer and his servants or his, “Family!”

Abraham’s last altar is in Gen. 22 on Mt. Moriah (Ra-ah means to see and Yah means Jehovah) we will deal with this later. But here he offers his greatest sacrifice, his only (ya-ckid) beloved son Isaac. Question? How is your ‘Family Altar’ coming? Do you have one yet? What are you waiting for, a special invitation? God invites us to build or establish a ‘Family Altar’ just like our ‘Prayer Closet’ or Quiet Time’ and He is waiting for an ‘R.S.V.P.’ Which is an acrostic for the French phrase, ‘Respondez Sil Vous Plait.’ However, God’s ‘R.S.V.P. for your ‘Family Altar’ stands for, “R-ead, S-hare, V-enerate (worship), P-ray.” Listen, a ‘Family Altar’ may keep your children from being sucked into this world’s system, or your spouse from falling into immorality, sin, porno, or covetousness. Or it may prevent you from losing your focus, your purpose or calling in life. From the moment Abraham entered the ‘Promised Land’ God had an altar and an altar sanctified by prayer, sacrifice and worship; Shechem, Bethel, Ai, Hebron, Beer-sheba, Moriah, etc. A time and place to bring those you love the most, ‘Your Family’ for “Prayer, Sacrifice & Worship.’ Don’t make it difficult or long; ‘KISS;’ “Keep It Simple Sam.” (Read, Share, Venerate, Pray, and do it every day!)    “Between The Lines”

“Almighty God, Creator of the heavens and the earth. As Abraham looked up and saw Your splendor and said, Amen! And You counted it to him for righteousness.  Because the heavens declare Your glory and the firmament shows Your handiwork. Abba, as we gaze upon and accept the ‘Cross of Calvary’ may we see Your glory fulfilled in Jesus The Christ and receive His righteousness for our righteousness.” In ha Shem Yeshua we pray! Amen!

“Portraits of Prayer in Genesis”  (Abraham – Part #3)