The Power of a Praying Guardian.

There’s a story from history that stirs my heart to pray more intentionally for our children. It’s the story of an uncle whose prayers reached heaven, covering a nephew who was drowning in sin and perversion. Despite the nephew’s waywardness, God heard the uncle’s prayers—and saved him.  

That nephew wasn’t a little boy. He was a grown man, with a family, property, and a life far removed from his uncle’s influence. His name? Lot.

Lot’s story begins with admiration. One day, he hears that his uncle, Abram (later known as Abraham), has decided to leave his homeland, stepping out in faith to follow God’s call (Genesis 12:5). Lot, perhaps secretly looking up to his uncle for mentorship, packs his bags and tags along. I imagine Abraham noticing this—realizing that while Lot wasn’t his son, he was still a young man in need of guidance. A fatherless nephew, but not without a father figure.  

As the years roll on, Abraham mentors Lot, and soon, Lot becomes a wealthy, independent man. Their flocks and herds grow so large that they must part ways. Abraham gives him the freedom to choose where to settle, and Lot picks the fertile plains near Sodom, a decision that would later cost him dearly (Genesis 13:10-12). Though separated by distance, Abraham never lets go of Lot in his heart.  

When Abraham hears that Lot has been captured during a raid, he doesn’t shrug it off, thinking, “Well, he made his choices.” No. Abraham mobilizes an army of 318 trained men—risking his own safety to rescue Lot (Genesis 14:14-16). By this point, Lot is no longer referred to as a nephew; Abraham calls him “his brother.” Their bond had grown deeper than blood—it was heart-deep.  

Then comes one of the most profound moments in the Bible. Abraham hosts God Himself, along with two messengers (Genesis 18:1). During this divine visit, God reaffirms His promise that Abraham will have a son. But there’s more. God reveals that judgment is about to fall on Sodom. As the angels prepare to leave, Abraham intercedes—not just for Sodom, but indirectly for Lot. He pleads, "Will You sweep away the righteous with the wicked?" (Genesis 18:23).  

Notice something interesting: Abraham never mentions Lot by name. Perhaps he wasn’t sure if Lot was still righteous. Maybe he wondered, “Has he gone too far? Is he even walking with God anymore?” So instead of praying for Lot alone, Abraham tries to save the whole city—hoping that Lot will be caught in the net of mercy.  

And here’s the beauty: God heard Abraham’s heart, even when his words didn’t say it outright.

When judgment comes, Sodom burns—but Lot is pulled out. Why? Not because of Lot’s righteousness. Not because Lot was living a godly life. But simply because God remembered Abraham.  

"So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, He remembered Abraham, and He brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived." — Genesis 19:29

Think about that. Lot was saved not because of who he was, but because of who was praying for him.  

Lot’s life remained messy. He offered his daughters to be abused (Genesis 19:8), fled to a cave, got drunk, and fathered children through those same daughters (Genesis 19:30-36). A “carnal believer,” if we were to use today’s terms. Yet God saved him— for Abraham’s sake.

Here’s the heart of this write-up:

You might be praying for a child who’s wandered far. A nephew, niece, neighbor’s kid—or even your own. Maybe their life is messy, and you wonder if your prayers make a difference. They do.  

Some of us pray daily for our children. Others pray when trouble hits. But beyond your own kids, consider the children in your extended family, community, church, and generation. Your prayers could be the lifeline God uses to rescue someone who doesn’t even know they’re being saved.

Lot probably had no idea that he was alive because of his uncle’s prayers. But heaven knew and that’s enough.