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What can we learn from the prayer of Abraham’s servant in Genesis 24:11-21?

Isaac and Rebekah

24 Abraham was now very old, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. 2 He said to the senior servant in his household, the one in charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh. 3 I want you to swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living, 4 but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac.”

Clarify Share Report Asked October 19 2021 My picture Jack Gutknecht Supporter

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Mini Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army
The following aspects of the servant's prayer (as indicated in the larger passage encompassing the passage cited in the question) serve as models to Christians of all eras in their service to Christ: 

1. The servant was in complete subjection to his master, and was focused only on his master's success (verses 9, 12, and 33).

2. The first thing the servant did upon arriving in the city to which Abraham had sent him was to pray (verse 12).

3. He prayed in his heart (silently and deeply), rather than in a perfunctory manner or as a public show (verse 45).

4. He prayed for something that, in view of the customs of the times and culture, seemed very unlikely to happen (verse 14).

5. He genuinely believed that God would answer his prayer (verse 12).

6. He bowed low and worshiped God immediately upon receiving the answer to his prayer (verse 26).

7. He gave glory to God in the presence of others, and actively shared the story of God's provision (verses 27 and 35-48).

October 24 2021 1 response Vote Up Share Report


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Mini Shirley H Supporter Wife, mother, veteran in the spiritual war we all face!
Jack, I am a little confused about your verse, and your question.

But, here goes: This chapter in Genesis is all about the providence of God.

Abraham's servant relied on his master's God for help. I personally see the Holy Trinity at work in this chapter.

The servant's prayer was answered because he chose to trust God. Abraham's prayers were answered for the same reason.

When God looks at your faith, he is faithful beyond what we imagine. God had blessed Abraham with riches and love, even a faithful servant. The key is to remain faithful.

Remember Isaac was a gift from God at a time of life impossible for Abraham And Sarai. He needed a special wife, now that it was time for Him to marry.

God looked on the worship, thankful, trusting attitude of the servant. He honored that, because the servant honored Abraham. 

The servant did exactly as the master asked. He did his work without question.

Do we always do what God asks? Abraham left his home to go wherever God appointed! He followed, and God blessed him. Abraham was a sinner. (Indeed, as sinners, do we see ourselves as worthy of God's love?) Even after he decided to worship God, Abraham still sinned.

This chapter is so rich in so many lessons. I see Abraham as representing God. I see Isaac as Jesus. I see the servant as the Holy Spirit. I may be wrong.

I also see Rebecca as the bride of Christ, the church.

I think it is ALL about our choice. Abraham chose to accept God's call. The servant chose to honor his master. Isaac accepted his father's will. Rebecca chose to trust the servant. God chose to bless Abraham!

God was constant in His love because of the covenant He made with him.

Genesis 24:49: The servant asked, "Now if you will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me. And if not tell me, that I may turn to the right or to the left." God would tell him what to do. 

When we chose God, He chooses us. God is full of grace, love and forgiveness; He knows our frail frame. He is constant, He will be with us, guide us, forgive us, even save us from ourselves.

See Genesis chapter 20.

October 23 2021 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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