Those who come to know Jesus by teaching of the Word of God know the value of prayer. We are instructed to pray when we are afflicted (James 5:13). The idea of casting our cares upon the Lord implies prayer (I Peter 5:7). We are to pray always showing once more the value God places on His people coming to Him (Luke 18:1). Our prayer life is certainly rooted in the truth that we must forgive others if we desire God to forgive us (Matthew 6:14). If in everything we give thanks, prayer is certainly involved in such thanksgiving (I Thessalonians 5:18).
Anything that deals with our relationship with God conditions are implied. Some speak about love being unconditional. The sad thing is such wording is used to convey the idea that God will not hold us accountable because His love is unconditional. I am curious, not from God’s side of the equation but man’s side. Where in the Scriptures do we ever get the idea that love has no conditions? When Jesus died on the cross would we affirm that all men will be saved? The Scriptures show us that there is a broad way and a narrow way. Hence, not all men will be saved (Matthew 7:13,14). What knowledge do we gain by reading that just saying “Lord” does not grant one entrance into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21). When Jesus speaks in that verse about doing the will of the Father, He gave us conditions.
The love of God for us is always present from the view that the nature of God does not change (Malachi 3:6). I must, therefore, see the end result of the people of Noah’s day through that understanding. A universal flood was brought about by a loving God who could no longer stand the growth of sin in the hearts of His creatures (Genesis 6,7). Nadab and Abihu were killed by a loving God who could not tolerate men corrupting worship toward Him (Leviticus 10:1,2). The Amalekites death was ordered by a loving God who repaid them for what had happened earlier in their dealings with Israel coming out of Egypt (I Samuel 15). Does the nature of God change? Malachi, by inspiration says “no”. Why then would we raise the idea of unconditional love to mean God accepts whatever we do with no consequences?
What does this show us then about prayer? God does not hear the prayers of sinners (John 9:31). None should argue that we do not sin (I John 1:8). If we do sin, then is it true God will not hear our prayers? The verse just before affirmed that if we walk in the light we have fellowship with God. What is the difference between the two statements? The difference is the righteous man does sin but he does not live in sin (Colossians 3:7). The man in John 9 spoke of a truth that was accepted by all at that time. God does not hear sinners, that is, those who choose to live in sin. If God does not hear the prayers of such a person, conditions are understood.
There is a great deal of turmoil in our world at this time. Bloodshed, violence, hatred and large doses of greed and indifference touch all our lives. In our own country do to so many present scandals connected to Washington, people find themselves withdrawing with words of “what is the use?” The Christian, on the other hand, has an entirely different view. The Christian is taught to pray for those in authority in order that we might lead quiet and peaceable lives (I Timothy 2:2). If there has ever been a time when the brotherhood needs to lift up daily prayers for our world and national leaders, it surely would be now. Are there conditions to prayer? We have already answered that earlier in this article. A brotherhood once united in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ now finds itself torn apart in local areas as well as the brotherhood at large. A condition of our having a relationship with God is based on the command to love the brotherhood (I Peter 2:17). Meeting such conditions means our prayers will be heard and accepted by God.
It is a commentary of the deepest hue for us to see faithful brethren who once stood together in the proclamation and defense of the Christian faith, now not able to get along with each other. It is not a call for error to be overlooked or sin in the lives of Christians. When wrong is done, confession needs to be made. This is a call for all of us to understand that harboring ill will, carrying grudges or bitterness in our heart will have a direct bearing on our prayer life. Let us be righteous people in order that we can pray for the brotherhood, our nation and our world.