Prayer

(Prov 15:29 NIV) The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

This morning we continue our current series, Solomon has already made it clear, in several ways, that the Father is against the ways of the wicked. Jehovah loves the sinner, but He hates the sin, and since the sinner refuses to enter into covenant with Him and walk in His ways, Jehovah stands by with loving arms, waiting for them to do so.

What Solomon points out here is that while Jehovah is waiting for the sinner, He is NOT inclined to answer their prayers. Earlier in this chapter, in the eighth verse, Solomon said: “The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but He delights in the prayers of the upright.” The Lord won’t even accept the sacrifice of those who are not in covenant with Him. It is not because He is mean; but rather because they have refused to enter into relationship (communion) with Him.

This is the choice of the creation, not the creator. It is not God’s will for any man to perish. He desires for all to repent and enter relationship with Him (2nd Peter 3:9). But unfortunately, many will not and it will not be because of God. Many simply reject God and while they do, He is resigned to stand by with loving arms and a willing heart, desiring for them to turn towards Him. Since the wicked has chosen to reject God he has no right to receive answers to prayer. Peter reiterated this in the New Testament when he said,

“The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil” (1st Peter 3:12).

So what does this mean to you? A great deal. The message here is not negative at all. While the Father does not hear the prayer of the sinner, He will hear yours. Since you have Jesus as your Lord, you are in covenant with Jehovah and you have a right to answered prayer. Let me share something with you that Jesus told His disciples just before He left them that will drive this home. As Jesus prepared the disciples for His impending departure, they grew more and more concerned. Jesus had been their leader, guide, friend, and source for over three years. Jesus made sure they had everything they needed. Once He left, who was going to fill the void? Jesus knew their concerns and said:

“At that time you won't need to ask Me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and He will grant your request because you use My name. You haven't done this before. Ask, using My name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy” (John 16:23,24).

Let’s take a closer look:

1. Jesus told the disciples that they could make their petitions directly to the Father. Jesus had done all the praying to the point, but He now expected the disciples to pray for themselves; no mediator required.

2. Jesus wanted the disciples to use His name. When we pray to the Father, in the name of Jesus, we are reminding the Father that we are coming to Him directly, because of the relationship we have with Him THROUGH His Son.

3. They had not done this before. There had been prayers recorded all throughout the Bible, but no one had ever prayed to Jehovah in the name of Jesus and Jesus was establishing a new form of prayer, one that was sure to work. This surety would give the disciples confidence when they prayed.

4. They would receive and have abundant joy. The Father is not wicked. He does not want to force us to ask for things, only to refuse them. He is not looking to play games. He is a loving, caring, and sharing heavenly Father that desires to bless His children (those in covenant with Him) so that their joy could be complete. Your heavenly Father wants you to have and enjoy life IN HIM!


Father, I thank You for hearing my prayers. I thank You for inclining Your ear to me daily. I have accepted Your Son Jesus as my Lord and I am in covenant relationship with You. I pray to You, in the name of Jesus, and You hear my prayers. Not only do You hear them, but You answer them and manifest Yourself to me daily. Thank You father for being there for me when I call. I pray with confidence, because I know that my prayers are heard and answered by my loving, caring, and sharing heavenly Father! In Jesus’ name. Amen!