The Abomination of Prayerless Disobedience

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

The prayer of the disobedient holds no currency with Elohim. Man, as a fallen being with alienated affections and distorted views, requires precise Divine direction. Yet Adonai's claims to obedience have never been relaxed, though our fallen nature resists them. As dependent creatures unable to sustain ourselves, wisdom demands we secure the continual support of Him who has promised His favour shall evermore rest upon His followers.

Beware the fatal error of supposing that scrupulous attention to one department of Christian duty obtains absolution for neglecting another. It is not through mere words of supplication or thanksgiving that everything is accomplished. The critical question concerns the spirit in which we prostrate ourselves before the Divine footstool: Do we come with sincere resolution to do the will of our Father in heaven? Do we commit ourselves to ascertain and observe His sacred statutes with diligence?

The inspired writer sets forth the heinousness of neglecting practically to honour the Divine law. There are those who, while their lips show forth God's praise, yet deliberately neglect some duty or indulge in sin, pursuing courses whose end is death. Such contradiction renders their prayers abomination—an odious offense before Heaven.

If you would profit by His clemency, you must strive to obey His laws. If you would obtain His blessings, devote yourselves zealously and perseveringly to His service. Communion with Elohim requires both hearing His Word and heeding it, both speaking through prayer and submitting to His will.