How should Job 35:12 influence our attitude in prayer? Job 35:12—A Sobering Wake-Up Call “There they cry out, but He does not answer, because of the pride of evil men.” (Job 35:12) Elihu observes that some people pray desperately, yet Heaven stays silent. The reason is not God’s indifference but human arrogance. This verse pulls back the curtain on why certain prayers stall before they ever reach God’s throne. What the Verse Teaches about God’s Response • God listens selectively—He is not obligated to hear every cry. • Pride is a spiritual noise-canceller; it blocks the signal. • An “evil” posture is defined less by obvious rebellion and more by self-reliance that pushes God to the margins (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6). How This Should Shape Our Attitude in Prayer 1. Approach conscious of His holiness › Remember we are speaking to the Creator, not a peer (Ecclesiastes 5:2). 2. Examine the heart for pride › Ask: Am I demanding or depending? (Psalm 139:23-24). 3. Value righteousness over results › God values our character more than our checklist (Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 1:15). 4. Surrender outcomes › Humility says, “Your will be done,” trusting His timing and wisdom (Matthew 6:10). Practical Habits for Humble Prayer • Begin with praise—focus on who God is before what you want. • Confess specific sins; keep short accounts (1 John 1:9). • Thank Him for past mercies; gratitude dethrones pride. • Use Scripture in petitions, aligning requests with revealed truth (John 15:7). • Listen in silence after speaking; humility makes room for God’s reply (Psalm 46:10). Scriptural Encouragement for the Humble • “The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.” (Proverbs 15:29) • “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray… then I will hear from heaven.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) • Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and tax collector ends: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14) Key Takeaways to Carry into Your Next Prayer Time • God’s silence is often diagnostic, not dismissive—check for pride. • Humility is the doorway to Heaven’s audience. • The posture of the heart matters more than the polish of the words. Living out Job 35:12 means trading self-assurance for God-assurance. When we kneel low, our prayers rise high. |
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