This faithful patriarch asked Jehovah about an heir, saying: “What will you give me, seeing that I am going childless?” (Genesis 15:2, 3; 17:18) On another occasion, he expressed his concern over who would be saved when God rendered judgment against the wicked in Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 18:23-33) Abraham also made supplication in behalf of others. (Genesis 20:7, 17)

7. What matters did the patriarchs take to Jehovah in prayer?

⁷ Patriarchs prayed about a variety of matters, and they were favorably heard by Jehovah. Jacob uttered a prayer in the form of a vow. After asking for God’s support, he solemnly promised: “As for everything that you will give me I shall without fail give the tenth of it to you.” (Genesis 28:20-22) Later, when he was about to meet his brother, Jacob implored Jehovah for protection, saying: “Deliver me, I pray you, from my brother’s hand, from Esau’s hand, because I am afraid of him.” (Genesis 32:9-12) The patriarch Job approached Jehovah in behalf of his family, offering sacrifices for them. When Job’s three companions sinned in their speech, Job prayed in their behalf, and “Jehovah accepted Job’s face.” (Job 1:5; 42:7-9) These accounts help us to identify matters we might take to Jehovah in prayer.