Whose Prayers Are Answered?

Whose Prayers Are Answered?
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

The initial response of most people to this question will be that “God answers the prayers of all people.” And while it would be quite comforting to believe this, the Bible actually teaches something very different. God has given certain rules and guidelines that govern prayer:

1. God will not listen to those who refuse to listen to him. Proverbs 28:9 says, “One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination.”

2. God will not listen to those who refuse to obey him. 1 John 3:22 says, “And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.”

3. God will not listen to evildoers and sinners. 1 Peter 3:12 says, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” John 9:31 says, “Now we know that God does not listen to sinners; but if anyone is a worshipper of God and does his will, he listens to him.”

4. God will not listen to those who refuse to worship and serve him. I again refer to John 9:31, cited just above. Some people question the legitimacy of using John 9:31, on the grounds that these words were spoken by the blind man. The objection is overruled on the basis that the blind man’s comments are perfectly consistent with the tenor and teaching of the Law of Moses on the subject of prayer (Prov. 15:8; Psa. 34:15).

5. God will not listen to those who do not ask according to his will. 1 John 5:14 says, “Now this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” The inspired James spoke of some who prayed unscriptural prayers: “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:3). God hears prayers that are in harmony with his will.

Prayer is a great privilege and blessing, but it is regulated by God. Let us do what God tells us to do so that our prayers will be heard.

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.