Three Facts About Christian Prayer
Introduction:
The book of Isaiah reveals profound truths about God’s expectations for His people. In Isaiah 65-66, we see that God desires to save Israel, but not while they continue in sin and hypocrisy. They had to understand that God could not be ignored, provoked, or manipulated. Though prayer is not the primary focus of these chapters, several key lessons about prayer emerge. Let us examine three essential facts about Christian prayer.
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I. God Will Not Bless Those Who Persist in Sin
“I was sought by those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. I said, ‘Here I am, here I am,’ to a nation that was not called by My name.” (Isaiah 65:1)
“Therefore I will number you for the sword, and you shall all bow down to the slaughter; because, when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not hear, but did evil before My eyes and chose that in which I do not delight.” (Isaiah 65:12)
We, too, can fall into the same trap. If we persist in our sins, God will not hear or answer our prayers!
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.” (Psalm 66:18)
“One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.” (Proverbs 28:9)
Sin creates a barrier between us and God, making our prayers ineffective. True repentance is essential for our prayers to be heard.
II. God Hears and Answers the Prayers of the Righteous
“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24)
God is always near, ready to respond to the prayers of the righteous.
“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.” (Psalm 145:18-19)
This truth is clearly demonstrated in the life of Daniel:
“Now while I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel... the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering.” (Daniel 9:20-23)
God is faithful to those who earnestly seek Him in humility and righteousness.
III. God Looks on the Humble and Reverent
The Lord values those who recognize their need for Him and approach Him in humility.
“But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.” (Isaiah 66:2)
The term “poor” here refers to those who acknowledge their spiritual bankruptcy before God.
“But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
The word “contrite” conveys a sense of brokenness and dependence on God.
The Hebrew term is used to describe the lame legs of Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 4:4; 9:3), emphasizing inability and need.
“For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:16-17)
Those who revere God’s Word take it seriously and respond in obedience:
“Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel assembled to me.” (Ezra 9:4; 10:3)
“Princes persecute me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your word.” (Psalm 119:161)
God desires a heart that is humble, reverent, and submissive to His will.
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Conclusion:
Christian prayer is a powerful tool, but it must be accompanied by righteousness, humility, and reverence for God. From Isaiah 65-66, we learn these three essential truths:
God will not bless those who persist in sin.
God hears and answers the prayers of the righteous.
God looks with favor on the humble and reverent.
Let us approach God in prayer with pure hearts, unwavering faith, and a spirit of obedience. May our prayers be a sweet offering to Him, and may we always seek to walk in His ways. Amen.
