Connecting the Dots: Unanswered Prayer, Righteousness, & Sin
Hidden from the awareness of many believers is a condition that hinders their ability to commune with God through prayer. While a common belief is that God listens to the requests of every individual on Earth, our exploration through scripture will reveal a spiritual condition that causes separation from God and places barriers around the prayers of those afflicted.
The disappointment stemming from unanswered prayers can prove to be a formidable challenge for countless believers. When God remains seemingly unresponsive to our petitions, it can foster a sense that He may not be attuned to our prayers or that He may not care, ultimately sowing the seeds of doubt, which can erode one's faith.
Numerous factors can account for God not granting the answers we seek. However, this article will delve into one fundamental reason why God may not heed a person's prayers.
Prayer of Double-minded Men
In James 4:1-8, James issues a stern warning against approaching prayer with a heart entangled in worldly desires and behaviors. In verse 3, he plainly states, "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, seeking to satisfy your own pleasures" (James 4:3). James goes on to enumerate the attributes and traits associated with the world, underscoring how those who manifest such behaviors often direct their prayers to God, seeking selfish, worldly gratifications. He earnestly warns that such prayers are prone to remain unanswered.
Essentially, James contends that the effectiveness of prayer hinges on an approach characterized by humility, repentance, a departure from worldly pursuits, and a drawing near to God, as he emphatically states in James 4:8, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you double-minded" (James 4:8).
The Impact of Sin on Prayer
Sin, often likened to a pervasive ailment, can infiltrate every facet of our existence, rendering us spiritually frail. The scriptures additionally imply that transgressions of God's law can manifest as physical afflictions stemming from sin.
In Micha 6:3, the scripture reads: 'So also I will make you sick, striking you down, desolating you because of your sins.'
In addition to physical repercussions, the shackles of sin weigh down our prayers and separate us from God. Sin can sever our connection with God and render our petitions ineffective or unheard. To delve deeper into this vital concept, we turn directly to the Bible's insights.
Psalm 109:7
7 "When he is judged, let him be found guilty, And let his prayer become sin".
Isaiah 59:2
2 "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear".
Psalms 66:17-18
17 I cried to Him with my mouth, And He was extolled with my tongue.
18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.
Isaiah 1:15-16
15 "When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood.
16 "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil.”
Proverbs 28:9
9 "One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination."
Matthew 6:7-8
7 "And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
8 Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him."
Isaiah 58:3-9
3 "Why have we fasted,' they say, 'and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?' "In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, And exploit all your laborers.
4 Indeed you fast for strife and debate, And to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, To make your voice heard on high.
5 Is it a fast that I have chosen, A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, And to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the Lord?
6 "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' "If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,"
2 Chronicles 7:13-15
13 "When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people,
14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
15 Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place."
The Power of Righteous Prayer
After reading about the impact of sin on our prayers, we can now see the contrast between the ineffective prayers of the wicked and the prayers of the righteous. James 5:13-18 tells us that the "fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16). Similarly, Proverbs 15:29 reinforces this notion, declaring that "The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous." Furthermore, Proverbs 21:13 serves as a cautionary lesson, warning that those who turn a deaf ear to the cries of the needy will find their prayers unheard by God: "Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will likewise cry out in vain and go unanswered" (Proverbs 21:13).
1 John 3:21-22
21"Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.
22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight."
These verses highlight the relationship between our spiritual life and our prayer life, emphasizing a closer relationship between righteous individuals who strive to exemplify their faith by doing good for God; contrasting that with those who live for themselves and live a life of unrighteousness.
Offerings and Prayers: The Heart's Influence
In the spiritual realm, offering prayers and making sacrifices mirrors each other in terms of how God receives them. Both are deeply impacted by the intent, condition of the heart and the individual's spiritual state. Proverbs 21:27 portrays offerings presented by wicked individuals, especially when driven by evil intent, as abominable. This concept closely parallels Proverbs 28:9, which characterizes the prayer of a wicked person as an abomination.
Similarly, Proverbs 21:13 warns, "Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will likewise cry out in vain and go unanswered." This principle aligns with teachings found in Mark 11:24-26 and Malachi 2:12-17, where mistreatment of others can lead to God disregarding prayers. In fact, Malachi 2, Matthew 5:22-24, and 1 Peter strengthen this connection, illustrating that the same sin can result in God's disregard for both prayer and temple sacrifices.
These verses clarify the influence of one's heart and actions on the acceptability of offerings and prayers, emphasizing the significance of righteousness and compassion in our spiritual walk.
Malachi 2:12-17
12"May the Lord cut off from the tents of Jacob The man who does this, being awake and aware, Yet who brings an offering to the Lord of hosts!
13 And this is the second thing you do: You cover the altar of the Lord with tears, With weeping and crying; So He does not regard the offering anymore, Nor receive it with goodwill from your hands.
14 Yet you say, "For what reason?" Because the Lord has been witness Between you and the wife of your youth, With whom you have dealt treacherously; Yet she is your companion And your wife by covenant.
15 But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit, And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.
16 For the Lord God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one's garment with violence," Says the Lord of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously.
17 You have wearied the Lord with your words; Yet you say, "In what way have we wearied Him?" In that you say, "Everyone who does evil Is good in the sight of the Lord, And He delights in them," Or, "Where is the God of justice?"
1 Peter 3:7
7 "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered."
Matthew 5:22-24
22 "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.
23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,
24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
Mark 11:24-26
24 "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."
25 And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
26 "But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."
In Conclusion
We have uncovered a vital truth after exploring the relationship between righteousness, sin, and prayer. Unanswered prayers can often be traced back to a heart divided by worldly desires, sin, and a lack of righteousness. As we have seen in the scriptures, sin can act as a barrier, separating us from God and rendering our petitions ineffective. However, the righteous, those who seek to live in accordance with God's will, find their prayers availing much.
The Bible is clear about the significance of our spiritual condition and the intent behind our prayers and offerings. It reminds us that righteousness and compassion are crucial in our spiritual walk and communion with God. As we strive to cleanse our hearts, live righteously, and extend our hands to those in need, our prayers become a powerful component in our relationship with the Father.
In conclusion, this article has illuminated the importance of aligning our lives with God's will, turning away from sin, and embracing righteousness. Doing so can break down the barriers that hinder our prayers and draw us closer to the Creator.
