Theme: THE POWER OF PRAYER
Text: “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” – Isaiah. 59:1, 2.
Comment: Sin is an obstacle to prayers. Many prayers are not answered due to sin, or because the people “ask amiss”, that is, in the wrong way, to gratify their selfish ends. (James. 4: 3) It is true that God does not hear sinners but if any sinner repents and worships Him in truth, his prayers will be answered. (John 9: 31) And John the apostle stated: “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” – 1 John 3: 22.
If a wicked man prays, as some often do, and his evil desire is accomplished, we should know that it is not God that answers his prayer but the mimic god, Satan the devil, who is the author of evil. The Bible says that God does not help an evildoer. (Job 8: 20) And it is also written: “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law (of God), even his prayer shall be abomination.”- Proverbs 28: 9; see also. Psalm 66: 18; Proverbs 15: 29.
Those who refrain from sin and continue in righteousness will surely get the mercy and help of God. Scripture says: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face. And turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14; See also Ezekiel 18:21-2327,28,30-32.