Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who: Hear not the Law

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In the biblical context, the concept of prayer is deeply intertwined with obedience to God's commandments. The Scriptures emphasize that God desires a relationship with His people, one that is characterized by adherence to His laws and precepts. When individuals choose to ignore or disobey God's law, their prayers may go unanswered as a consequence of their disobedience.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides clear guidance on the relationship between obedience to God's law and the efficacy of prayer. In Proverbs 28:9 , it is stated, "Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable." This verse underscores the principle that God values obedience and that turning away from His commandments can render one's prayers ineffective or even offensive.

The Role of the Law

The "law" in biblical terms often refers to the commandments and teachings given by God, particularly those found in the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament. These laws were given to guide the Israelites in their covenant relationship with God. In a broader sense, the law encompasses the moral and ethical teachings that God expects His followers to uphold.

Consequences of Ignoring the Law

Ignoring or rejecting God's law is seen as a serious offense in the biblical narrative. It signifies a heart that is not aligned with God's will and a life that is not in harmony with His purposes. In Isaiah 59:1-2 , the prophet declares, "Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." This passage highlights that sin, which includes the neglect of God's law, creates a barrier between individuals and God, affecting their communication with Him.

Examples from Scripture

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of individuals and communities whose prayers were hindered due to their disobedience. In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet laments the people's refusal to listen to God's commands, resulting in their prayers being disregarded. Jeremiah 11:10-11 states, "They have returned to the sins of their forefathers, who refused to listen to My words and have followed other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken the covenant I made with their fathers. Therefore, this is what the LORD says: I will bring upon them a disaster they cannot escape. They will cry out to Me, but I will not listen to them."

The Call to Obedience

The Bible consistently calls believers to a life of obedience as a prerequisite for effective prayer. In John 9:31 , it is affirmed, "We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will." This verse reinforces the idea that God is attentive to those who seek to live according to His commandments and align their lives with His will.

Conclusion

The biblical teaching is clear: a heart that is open to God's law and a life that seeks to follow His commandments are essential for prayers to be heard and answered. The Scriptures encourage believers to examine their lives, repent of disobedience, and commit to a path of righteousness, ensuring that their prayers are not hindered by a disregard for God's law.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 28:9
He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 7:11-13
But they refused to listen, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prayer Answered, Love Nourished
... The first prayer was a prayer for ourselves; we asked that ... us note again THE FREQUENCY
OF HIS ANSWERS TO OUR ... to our feeble cries; he has never denied a promise ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/prayer answered love nourished.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... one that feareth God." And Satan answers on this ... Christians became timid and at first
denied Christ from ... we need to be strengthened, through prayer, with the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

The Inwardness of Prayer
... whole universe as God's act, and answers the beating ... and final) forces, being unfelt,
are denied or decried ... The faith that energizes in Christian prayer sets us ...
/.../forsyth/the soul of prayer/chapter i the inwardness of.htm

Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ...
... it is he calls, and for what reason, he answers, it is ... them," (1:Sam.2:25), it is
not denied that their ... but as it seemed somewhat absurd that prayer should be ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 24 election confirmed by.htm

Constant, Instant, Expectant
... There are times when you must be brought to this condition that you will not be
denied. ... If some people looked out for answers to prayer they might soon have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/constant instant expectant.htm

Things Unknown
... persons alive who have had as many answers to their ... of "man's responsibility" is
not to be denied, nor the ... God's Word, and give ourselves unto prayer, and then ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/things unknown.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... 2:9. In the Greek, not giving cross answers.' Some servants ... In prayer, we act like
saints, in praise like angels ... desired some food, but the son denied him relief ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

The Folly and Danger of Being not Righteous Enough
... Would you have us be always at prayer, and reading ... tells him, "They have no wine;"
he answers, "Woman, what ... This doctrine is denied by the learned rabbi's; but ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... Jerome answers the second, third, and fourth propositions of Jovinianus ... through fear
of a maid-servant denied Him ... The case is different if this prayer belongs to ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Noah's Faith, Fear, Obedience, and Salvation
... in the God of providence?"faith in the God who answers prayer? ... to doubt whether the
Lord does hear prayer at all ... yet will not I," would have denied his Master ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 36 1890/noahs faith fear obedience and.htm