Read Genesis 20
Just as he did with the king of Egypt in the twelfth chapter, Abraham uses the same deception, saying Sarah is his sister again. Abimelech is a king, and takes Sarah like she was taken in Egypt. Though the text did not say that she did not have sex with the first king, this time she is explicitly spared by God's judgment. This time, Sarah is pregnant. The text makes sure that we know that the child is not Abimelech's.
Abraham excused his lie by minimizing it, and by his prejudice toward Abimelech and his “heathen” people. This is a different attitude than he had toward Sodom. Is this because he had family in Sodom, but these people were strangers? Did he hope to make some money, as he had in Egypt?
God calls Abraham a prophet. A prophet has a role of communications between humans and God, and can pray on people's behalf.
After Sarah is returned, Abraham intercedes again, just as he did for Sodom. Just as the first incident with Sarah and the king of Egypt, Abimelech and his household are healed, and spared God’s judgment according to Abraham’s prayers.
Both the opening and closing of the wombs of Abimelech's house were because of Abraham. God's promise to him in Gen 12:3 works both ways.
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