OT Promise 350: Hears Prayer

Proverbs 15:29 The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

There are many promises in Scripture that the Lord hears the prayer of the believer. We pray for two reasons: He commands it and He promises to hear it. God’s command and promise motivates us to pray. He enjoys our prayers, as we enjoy talking to Him and hearing from Him. This is natural for lovers in a loving relationship.

He is always near to us, always with us; His eye is always upon us and His ear is always attentive to us, longing to hear from us, anywhere, any time. But there is the usual contrast between the righteous and the wicked. These are Solomon’s words for believer and unbeliever. The Lord “is far from” the wicked (the unbeliever), but near to the righteous (the believer). Some people don’t want to hear this, that God does not hear the prayers of unbelievers, but the Bible seems clear on this question. But some ask, What about the so-called “sinner’s prayer?” Doesn’t God hear this converting prayer from an unbelieving heart? Yes, but when a person is ready to pray this prayer he has already been converted.

Regardless, the promise is certain: God hears the prayers of His believing and converted children. He may not respond in the way, time, and manner we want, but He hears! Not only does He hear and not only is He as near as your heart and lips, but is is also eagerly waiting to hear from you. So make Him happy. Pray. He is listening.