Prayer Journal

Saturday, December 2, 2000
337/29
Read the Bible through in OneYear

"If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable." Prov 28:9

Since I was a child in Sunday School, I've been told that God will hear my prayer. I don't recall ever hearing that God will judge my prayer on the basis of how I listen to Him. I certainly don't remember anyone telling me that my "right" to pray is actually grace afforded to those God views favorably.

I admit that, in the past I've been guilty of believing that even those who don't recognize God can pray with the same assurance as the child of God. Recognizing that the "sinner's" prayer is a sweet fragrance to God, I thought everything we prayed would be heard, with only those things pleasing to God being answered. I know now that is not true!

Proverbs states that mercy is a product of confession and the renouncing of sin (28:13), among many other things. In fact, you can read all through the book of Proverbs how God is watching our attitude and actions to determine if He will bless us at all.

I know now that being a Christian does not entitle me to a free "Make a wish" member's card. On the other hand, as a Christian, I have the responsibility to listen to God and obey Him before ever approaching Him. Then, and only then, can I pray with confidence that He hears me and will bless me. (Hebrews 4:16)

Perhaps today, you need to revisit God's Word to determine what it is that God expects of you. If you don't know what he expects, how do you expect to do it?    Just Thinkin'.. WebServant

 

(1) Power Through Prayer, E.M. Bounds, (c) 1982, the Whitaker House; p82
(2) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(3) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.

Prayertower