Does GOD listen to all prayers?

Of recent there has been repeated calls by the media, (electronic and printed), mediators on call-in programs, religious leaders and even law enforcement officials for the nation to pray.

This request is made so as to have a divine intervention to curb the recent increase in crime on the island. While we are praying, there continues to be an increase in violent crimes, resulting in death to its victims.

This begs me to ask the question: DOES GOD LISTEN TO ALL PRAYERS?

The answer to that question is NO!

I would like to list just four reasons (there are many more) why I believe this is the case and back them up by scriptural references:

1: GOD takes no pleasure in the prayers of the wicked

Proverbs 28:9 says: “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.”

Isaiah 1:15 says: And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

2: GOD does not answer hypocritical prayers

Matthew 6:5 says: And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

3: GOD does not answer insincere, repetitive prayers.

Matthew 6:7 says: But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

4: Not everyone prays to the  true GOD above

1 Corinthians 8:5, 6 says: For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

Micah. 4:5 says: 5 For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.

With the above stated facts, I have thus came to the conclusion that 1. either the wrong persons are praying or 2. they are praying to the wrong person.

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21 Comments

  1. believer..
    December 2, 2010

    i believe that God answers prayers when there is faith.. if there is no faith, how do you expect God to answer prayers? have faith in God and believe; all prayers will be answered. if God sees that what you’re praying for is not necessary than he will not answer. in any case, the bible says that people must not question God.

  2. Dominiquais a l'etranger
    October 5, 2010

    God does not answer your prayers .. He has his will and there is nothing you can do about it… If you want something work for it dont pray for it

    • Anonymous
      April 20, 2012

      O ye of little faith!!!! :(

  3. Watcher
    October 4, 2010

    @Dominicans!!!!!!!!: No we are not. He is tellng us that we have all sinned through our first parents sins but he has sent his Son to redeem us of our sins. We are not supposed to be arrogant and proud. He alone is worthy of all praise . He is the Most High , the one and only. We have to repent of our sins and it does not stop there. We have to do his will and help others to stand up when they fall. He is merciful and just to forgive us if we repent. He knows of our weakness and he will hold us strong against temptations once we lean on him and recognise that we are nothing without him. We have to be in constant dialogue with him and ask that the Holy Ghost guide us daily. Seek ye first the Kingdom of the Father and his righteousness and all other things will be added unto thee.

  4. Gary
    October 4, 2010

    @passerby:

    This has nothing to do with bashing the Pastor. He wrote something which was not factual, using one source as his reference which is the bible. What makes you all think that using the bible to prove something that makes it true, and the bible is the only reference there is to prove things. How can you claim to seeking the answer to something and only deriving it from one source, based on your religious biasness, that is not seeking the truth, at all, truth cannot be just found by laziness in just quoting scriptures, the subject of prayer is not only found in the bible, it is something scared to all mankind. regardless of the bible or what faith you belong, it is time we wake up and and seek the whole truth and stop using the bible mixed with personal beliefs passing it as the truth.

    Why are my quotes immaterial, is it because it is not from the bible, this just shows how closed your mind is in seeking the truth and your wiliness to seek the truth. What makes you think the Judeo-Christian faith has the whole truth, this just helps prove you ignorance again, having tunnel vision and not wanting to seek the truth. Your last remarks make no sense, just to let you know there is a fundamental basses to all truths it is not what you think. There is a difference between what you think it is and what it is. Finally I will tell you the truth is rarely pure and never simple.

  5. Dominica and Proud
    October 4, 2010

    No is an answer too!

  6. jah guide
    October 4, 2010

    prayer cannot stop these things because this is revelations coming true. only thing we can do now i repent and ask for salvation

  7. passerby
    October 4, 2010

    @Gary: it amazes me to see the amount of pastor bashing that takes place whenever a pastor posts an article on DNO. He has full right make this article using the bible as his only reference because he’s speaking from a BIBLICAL perspective to bible believing (or i hope so) people. Just so you know friend, the majority of quotes you used are completely immaterial: Ghandi was Hindu, Epircus was agnostic (maybe even atheist) and Hippocrates was a firm believer in the many gods of greek mythology. None of these people were of the Judeo-christian faith. I agree that prayer is ineffective without action (faith w/out works is dead.) but lets try not to always add unreasonable arguments to a subject. BTW, he wasn’t giving any judgment of who can or cannot pray. If i say “this is right because the bibke says so” everyone says “AMEN!” But if I say “This is wrong because the bible says so” everyone accuses me of judgment. RIDICULOUS.

    • Sylvia. Leftin
      March 24, 2019

      Refreshing article.I know it is unpopular to “pull rank” and say something is true because “I said so,” BUT THE TOP RANKING “Official of the Universe,” is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who came to Earth in the form of a person to show then how , then how should we live?!! So when He says so( in His Word, Holy Bible, we’d better sit up and take notice!!
      Shalom,
      Sylvia

  8. Dominicans!!!!!!!!
    October 4, 2010

    @migrated Dominican:

    So maybe we are all wasting our time…since the same Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..

  9. Dominicans!!!!!!!!
    October 4, 2010

    @Birdie:

    And I guess you are one of the righteous!!!

  10. Dominicans!!!!!!!!
    October 4, 2010

    @APG:

    Are you saying that you have the power to say whether another man is saved?.
    Well done my friend.
    Its amazing how we choose the texts in the bible that suits our purpose. Because the same bible that you quote says that God is willing and able to forgive any sinner that comes to repentance…so who are you to declare who is saved or not….Is it because they go to church and quote the bible every opportunity they get to condemn another self- righteously.

  11. Jean, Toronto
    October 3, 2010

    God hears the prayers of everyone! It may appear that He does not answer them. God is patient; more patient than mortals.
    Keep in mind, as much as some people may appear to be affluent in knowledge of God and how He answers prayers, absolutely no one is perfect. We do know that all have fallen short of His glory. I like to state some, more so than others as God knows too well.
    I visualize there are many reasons why prayers do not appear to be answered or that they are not answered at all. I reiterate that human beings are not perfect and weak of spirit, heart, mind and body. I could cite various examples which are based on my interaction with some people.
    Furthermore, we should not expect that whenever we pray to God or pray to Him when it suits us that He will immediately answer those prayers. God does not work like that.
    God knows our hearts. He is not deceived by hypocrisy.
    First, we must approach God with a loving (also to our neighbors) humble and contrite heart. We must praise and thank God for whom He is, for His blessings and graces. Let us not overdo it in our praises which sometimes appear overdoing it and overpowering.
    God is simplicity. He expects that we, too, will apply this same simplicity. A short, sincere prayer from/with the heart will suffice. It does not have to be a prolonged one and to keep calling His Holy Name over and over again in prayers. I often wonder what God thinks of those who keep saying: “Father God, over and over again.”
    If people kept mentioning my name during a course of conversation, I would ask them to cease doing so for it would be boring to me and calling my name in vain for no important reason except to mention my name.
    Once or twice is enough. God knows His name. He knows who He is. He is listening to those prayers. Therefore His Holy Name does not have to be repeated as an example, six times, less or more during a prayer to Him. We do not have to keep repeating His Holy Name over and over again in one, single prayer of all.
    We must consider that we are not The Creator but the creatures and that we cannot force the hands of God. He will do what He has to do in His own good time and not ours.
    There are those who do not consider that God tests us. He tests our love for Him, our love for others, generosity (no exception in words), our patience, and perseverance in prayers. If we approach Him with lack of love, generosity, humility and forgiveness, how can we expect Him to answer our prayers?
    In the ancient days, God did answer the prayers “of holy people” immediately. Today, how many sincere holy people are there on this earth?
    There is so much disobedience on this earth; religious disobedience to begin with. Also, not obeying God’s Commandments; living according to one’s feelings, desires and preference. Then, when there is a major problem everyone runs to God in prayer. Would this not be using Him for our own means and ends?
    Ask yourself, will He answer those prayers immediately or soon? He wants all mortals to conform to His Most Holy Will, to worship Him and to persevere in prayer. God deserves our worship and praise. We are obligated to pray consistently, without ceasing and getting tired of doing so. It all boils down to worship, prayer, penance and restitution for offending Him, if we expect God to answer our prayers immediately.
    There are billions of Christians of all sorts of denominations in the world, too many. This has contributed to lack of love, peace and unity. There should be but ONE as Our Lord Jesus Christ ordained when He said: “Thou art Peter and upon this Rock I will build MY CHURCH!” He did not say churches of various denominations. The latter was not His intentions at all.
    Our Lord said: “My peace I give to you. My peace I leave with you…” What happened? There are enough people who call themselves Christians to convert the world.
    Granted, there are some Christians who are more holy and perfect than others. If all Christians were so holy and perfect and served God as they should, we would have a perfect world, free of crimes and murders and other life’s problems. Much more could be stated about that. This is mortal and spiritual food for thought.
    Our Lord Jesus Christ said: Matthew 5:48 – So be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.
    Also Luke 6:36 – Be merciful, just as (also) your Father is merciful.
    Only then could Our Almighty Father, through His Blessed Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Precious Blood, answer prayers and immediately at that. Therein lies the answer.

  12. APG
    October 3, 2010

    NewTral, I think you are on to something there…so right!!!!! I’m sorry Gary… while you are disputing what NewTral wrote, but you can’t even say who your prayers are to. And Dominicans!!! you are off course. Soon, you may be saying who is man to judge whether another man is saved or not, right? It seems whenever someone points out the truth, it is funny how we are always accusing that person of ‘judging’. The fact is, these things manifest themselves unto condemnation. For they are condemning themselves from their very own actions. After all, by their fruits they shall be known. So, if a man commits murder, would we be judging him if we said he is a murderer? Not at all.

    Gary, if your prayer has nothing to do with the subject of religion, then it’s secular talk. But our prayer has to do with communicating to the one and only God through His Son Jesus Christ!! Due to the nature of that subject they call it… ‘religion’. But we are not talking about religion, we are talking about being connected to the one and only God… For the folks who worship God must do so in spirit and in sincerity (truth). This is why God only hears certain folks who are crying to Him…

    Talking to the dead is not prayer; talking to a statue is not prayer; talking to an ideal is not prayer; talking to nature is not prayer; but, talking to the almighty God thru Jesus Christ IS prayer! You have to be connected thru the blood! Try calling the Queen of England and see what they’ll tell you!

  13. migrated Dominican
    October 3, 2010

    Only if a man’s heart is right then he will hear your prayer, but the bible declares he heareth not a sinners prayer the only prayer he hears from a sinner is when he comes to God to repent of his sin and turn away from it.

  14. October 3, 2010

    I believe that God Almighty is the Living God of Holiness, Love, and Truth. God created Life for me, through the Person of whom He would manifest Himself in the Flesh, when He said “Let there be Light. This Person of the God of Holiness, Love, and Truth is known to me as Jesus Christ. It is by this faith, my belief, acceptance, and conception, of God’s Word in Jesus Christ, that I have assurance of Eternal Life today. “For In Him there was Life and the Life was the Light of men.”

    Because God is Spirit, the nature of Love, who desire to maintain a relationship of Love with me as I with Him, my best method of continuing in that relationship is to remain in constant verbal or thoughtful communication with Him. At those times I pray to God; and without those periods of prayer I would exist with no guidance in my Life. I would just be with the nature of my human mind, which simply process and produce the things of the flesh, which is vanity and futility. God is Spirit and we must stand before Him with a mind of Spirit and Truth. But I need to apply mush faith, trust, humility, and obedience, throughout that relationship with God.

    I agree with the writer of this article, God does not answer all prayers. But anyone who is willing to stand before Him with a humble and a willing mind to surrender to His Will, He will hear there plead. The proud, the arrogance, and those who believe they need nothing else but their state of human wisdom and philosophy, they will have their rewards; but what of that reward? Great question!!!

  15. Birdie
    October 3, 2010

    Well Gary i am sorry for you the article by nutral is correct God dont answer sinners unless it is for repentance to receive salvation he is not a God to compromise he sail plain seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all other things shall be added unto you, did you listen to Mat in the morning on thursday when all kind of hyprocrits was praying did you hear what some prayed for well God does not answer those kind of prayers he only answer’s the prayer of the righteous that avaleth much so stop critizing things you dont know about your ungodly hyprocrit

  16. Gary
    October 3, 2010

    It shows how little you know about the subject of prayer when you provide quotes from the bible to prove you argument about Prayers and why they are not answered. Why is it you are using the bible to make your point and think that you’re correct because of what the bible says about prayer. Is it the bible alone that has the answer to your question? This just shows how little you want to know about prayer and remain in ignorance about the subject and being lead by your your religious beliefs unfortunately it is not you alone who hold such beliefs. Let me just say prayer is more than lip service, and words. It is the easiest thing to call for in time of distress and trouble but it is also the least understood.

    Prayers has nothing to do with religion as some would like you to believe and it does not need the authority of Pastors Priest, or any religious authority to give it legitimacy. Prayer is a personal thing There is a difference between saying prayers and praying. Prayers has protocols which has to be flowed. In you conclusion you said that either the wrong persons are praying or they are praying to the wrong person. Why do think that certain things totally exclude someone from praying and when you talk about praying to the right person, what is it that makes you think you are supposed to be praying to a person, there again you showed you lack of understanding on the subject. Let us not approach prayer as something mysterious and far fetched but as something real not only with a religious aspect tired it.

    “If God listened to the prayers of men, all men would quickly have perished: for they are forever praying for evil against one another.”
    Epicurus

    “Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night”

    “In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”
    Mahatma Gandhi

    “Prayer indeed is good, but while calling on the gods a man should himself lend a hand.”
    Hippocrates

  17. Dominicans!!!!!!!!
    October 3, 2010

    The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,’ and it would obey you! LUke 17 vs 6
    Also supported in Matt 25 vs 25.

    I dont think it is up to any man to judge whether God answers anybodies prayers. Because we do not know the state of a mans heart at the moment of prayer as was the case with the man on the side of Jesus on the cross on that day…after living a sinfull life.

    The question is …how much do we trust the almighty to answer our prayers. On the one hand we ask ……..but do we believe that the Omnipotent father is willing and able to do what we pray for.

    I think that is where most of us fail….It is in our faith.

    He said ask and you will receive And that included …all those you mentioned..if they ask in faith..

    Let us pray that God will build our faith as a nation….and for those you mentioned above..that they too will be brought to the alter of prayer in humility and trust.

  18. voompeh
    October 3, 2010

    Proverbs 20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

  19. Chavez Jr.
    October 3, 2010

    Amen.

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