Somewhere in the human psyche most have had drummed into our minds the concept that God will hear and answer anyone's prayer anytime! In fact, we would guess that many who read this will become enraged that we would have the nerve to suggest anything else! However, the facts of the matter show clearly that God will not respond favorably to the request of the unrepentant sinner. In fact in Proverbs 28:9 it is said "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." Many feel that at any time, and without conditions, they have the right to pray for salvation, healing, or anything they want or think they need.

 God has always placed conditions on nearly everything He offers. In order for one to receive God's grace, he must be willing to accept Him by faith and obedience. In order to show his love for God obedience is required. Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3). When God sent the apostle Peter to Cornelius, the first Gentile (non-Jewish) supplicant, he said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him" (Acts 10:34-35). This clearly portrays God is not some vengeful Being who rejoices in people being lost, giving impossible requirements in order to be saved, but simply requiring all to turn to Him in faith, repentance and a willingness to follow His directions. Peter wrote in another place, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Cornelius and his family surely fit this description when one reads about his character. Luke describes him as "A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always" (Acts 10:2).

 Since we are all guilty of sin (Romans 3:23), our own attitude in coming to God determines whether or not God will hear and answer our prayers. If one is in need of divine assistance, but has no intention of turning to the Heavenly Father in obedience, then He will not hear or respond to our pleas. On the other hand, if we are of a mind to obey, and give God our life, then the scriptures show that He will respond favorably to our requests. We also must be aware that there are times that it is not in our best interests for us to receive whatever it is that we request. In a case like that, then we need to continue to seek God according to His will. When those on Pentecost heard Peter, and were convicted of sin, they cried, "What shall we do?" (Acts 2:37). In the next verse, Peter told them to "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..." (Acts 2:38). About three thousand people were forgiven by grace on that great day when they repented and were baptized according to Peter's inspired teaching (Acts 2:41; Matthew 16:19). Why not do the same things today and be Children of God as defined in the New Testament and be sure He will hear your prayers?

 Ed Rodgers, Forney, TX