Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Does God Listen To Prayers of Sinners?

"Pray no more for these people, Jeremiah. Do not weep or pray for them (people of Judah and Israel), for I will not listen to them when they cry out to Me in distress."
Jeremiah 11:14 (NLT)


Does God listen to the prayers of sinners? The answer is yes and no. God promises to listen and answer the genuine prayer of a repentant sinner who seeks God’s forgiveness through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16-21; Romans 3:21-25; Romans 10:8-13). However, God’s ear turns away from those who purposely live in sin (see Jeremiah 11). 

In the Book of Jeremiah, the people of Judah not only had broken God’s Law (Jeremiah 11:2–8), but they even worshiped other gods (Jeremiah 11:9-10; see also Exodus 20:3-6). Therefore, Judah’s fellowship with God was broken so that He would not hear nor listen to their prayers (see also Psalm 66:18; John 9:31; James 4:3). 


God does not honor nor listen to people who continue to live sinful (Isaiah 56:11-12), ignore others’ needs (Isaiah 58:6–9), and disobey His Holy Word (Jeremiah 35:17).  Instead, people that continue in a life of sin stand in danger of God’s judgment and punishment (Zechariah 7:8–14). If people are unrepentant and continue in their sin, neither their prayers nor the prayers of others will prevent God's judgment (see Jeremiah 7:16; Jeremiah 14:11). A person’s only hope is genuine repentance — sorrow for sin, turning from sin, and wholeheartedly turning to God.

Besides, God's blessings and favor come to people who are committed to Him as God and His Holy Bible. A heartfelt closeness and fellowship with God lead to answered prayer because God helps and answers the prayers of His faithful people (see Job 13:22; Job 14:14-15; Psalm 22:24-25; Psalm 91:15; Psalm 102:1- 2; Isaiah 58:9; Isaiah 65:24).  So, confess your sins and TURN TO GOD!

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