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Scripture text—John 9:31

Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

This may be a hard truth for some to swallow but until a person has been cleansed by the blood of Christ, he/she cannot enter into God’s presence with prayer. Only Christians can expect access to God in prayer because in his eyes we are no longer sinners but saints. The penalty that belongs to us (death—Rom 6:23) has been laid on Jesus Christ so that those who believe that truth may appear sinless before God.

God knows the state of each heart. He will measure our true devotion. His ear is open to his own. In Matthew 6:7, Jesus was speaking and he said that many that pray do so out of habit not having any intimate relationship with him. He calls their prayers vain repetitions and he refers to the people praying as heathens. They should save the effort. God is not listening. Find the perfect antidote to your sin problem (gift of the cross) and then enter the throne room freely. Those of us who know and follow Christ are not heathens but heirs to the throne of God with Christ our Savior (Rom 8:14–17).

It is discouraging to know that so many people pray to a God that is unknown to them. They wonder why their prayers are not answered and their lives do not improve. Time and again, folks plead their case with a vague spirit in the sky and do not study the Bible to find out who he is or what he wants from us. The feature verse of the week describes it. He wants worship and obedience. He will hear you if you trust in his plan of salvation and appreciate his astonishing gift. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 6:23b). Consider the grim truth in Matthew 7:21–23:

Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Trust in Jesus Christ. Get to know him through scripture study and prayer. Then know that you are heard since you are a member of his family. Even better news for those that are born again (by the Spirit—John 3:3–6), we have the help of the Holy Spirit making up for our failings and confusion. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom 8:26). That is a heavy promise and a peace bringing truth.