Introduction to the prayers of Genesis

Genesis means “beginning,” and that is what this book describes: the beginning of the world and the beginning of the people of Israel. The first four chapters are like an epic, with no set time or place. There is a lot to learn about who God is, why he created humans, and what the relationship is between people and God. Beginning with chapter 12, we learn about the origins of Israel, its early history, and its special relationship with God.

The first thing that might strike you about the prayers in Genesis is how much variety there is among them. All sorts of people offer them—from kings to prisoners—in all kinds of situations: birth, death, joy, and suffering. Some prayers are long and formal. Some are only one sentence. The prayers offer rich models for us to draw from for our own prayers.

There are fourteen prayers: five blessings, five petitions, two intercessions, two vows, and one each of a thanksgiving, a lament, and a curse. The context encompasses everything from the birth of children to prayers for the whole nation of Israel. Some of the prayers are used for deceptive purposes. One is offered by a pagan priest! 

The variety of prayer in this first book show that prayer can take on many forms and styles, contexts, purposes, and situations. These fourteen prayers serve as excellent beginning in our journey to develop a richness in our own prayer lives.

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