Does God Accept All Prayer?

    
Does God Accept All Prayer?

    The horrible tragedy of September 11, 2006 has resulted in some good.  Many have turned to God in prayer.  But does God accept every prayer?  Is it possible that God does not hear some prayers?
 
     What we know about prayer is revealed in Scripture, the word of God (2 Timothy 3:16,17).  There we are taught God's desire for our prayers but that there are conditions of acceptable prayer.
 
     Prayer must be through Christ and in the name of Christ.  Jesus said, "I am the way...no man comes to the Father but by me" and "whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do" (John 14:6, 13).
 
     God accepts the prayers of those who pray according to his will and are faithful to him.  "If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us" (1 John 5:14).  "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight" (1 John 3:22).
 
     Indeed, "He that turns his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination" (Proverbs 28:9).
 
     Acceptable prayers are offered in the context of a life of faith that obeys God's word and is pleasing to him.  It is possible to both worship and pray in vain (Matthew 5:9).
 
     God will become your father and you his child by your faith in and obedience to Christ.  "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:26,27).
 
-- Stephen D. Rook, preacher
  


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