Prayer that Pleases Him
- Bishop Keith Butler
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. (Proverbs 15:8)
Many people claim to be “religious” but aren’t righteous. Just look at politicians or interviews with musicians and Hollywood stars who express their gratitude to God while living lives that seem devoid of His teachings and guidance. God revealed to Solomon, the wisest man in the world, that religious rituals without righteousness displease Him. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were integral to how people worshiped God. Bulls, goats, and various birds were offered as a means for people to plead with God to cover their sins.
However, God is emphatically clear when He states that when the wicked offer sacrifices, it’s an abomination. Why? Because their hearts are not engaged in their sacrificial worship. This is akin to someone who attends church every Sunday, raises their hands in worship, and sometimes gives, but lives a life of sin throughout the rest of the week. Their outward acts of religion mean nothing if their hearts are not aligned with God‘s Way.
During His ministry, Jesus rebuked a group of religious followers known as the Pharisees, who lacked righteous hearts. He informed them that even if they made all the proper sacrifices, recited elaborate prayers, and knew how to use religious phrases, their hearts were not aligned with God and His people. God desires more than just an outward display of worship; He wants us to cultivate a relationship with Him and obey His commands wholeheartedly.
However, this verse brings good news as well. Unlike the sacrifices of the wicked, God tells us that the prayers of a righteous person bring Him joy. God doesn’t just tolerate our prayers; He delights in hearing them! When we strive to have a heart like God’s, we are heard, accepted, and experience results.
Practical Application
Examine your heart today. Have you engaged in “good” religious practices without listening to and following God’s guidance? Avoid performing religious acts just to prompt God’s response; reject merely going through the motions of religion. Desire a heart like His and follow His way. God delights in those who trust and obey with sincerity.