What actions might cause God to "hide His eyes" from our prayers?

Key Verse: Isaiah 1:15

“When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.”

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Why the Lord Turns Away

• Bloodshed and violent injustice (Isaiah 1:15; 59:3–4)

• Ongoing, unrepentant sin that erects a barrier (Isaiah 59:1-2)

• Empty religion—ritual without righteousness (Isaiah 29:13; Amos 5:23-24)

• Cherished, secret iniquity (Psalm 66:18)

• Willful refusal to heed God’s Word (Proverbs 28:9; Zechariah 7:11-13)

• Idolatry lodged in the heart (Ezekiel 14:3)

• Relational cruelty or neglect, especially in marriage (1 Peter 3:7)

• Hard-heartedness toward the poor and oppressed (Proverbs 21:13)

• Unforgiveness toward others (Mark 11:25)

• Pride that resists God’s grace (James 4:6; Luke 18:11-14)

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Keeping Heaven’s Line Clear

• Confess and forsake sin immediately (1 John 1:9)

• Pursue justice and mercy in everyday dealings (Micah 6:8)

• Align actions with the Word, not just lips (James 1:22)

• Maintain tender relationships—honor, forgive, serve (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:19)

• Cultivate humility and wholehearted devotion to the Lord (2 Chronicles 7:14; James 4:10)

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Hope of Restoration

Whenever God “hides His eyes,” His goal is repentance and renewed fellowship. As soon as sin is acknowledged and turned from, He promises: “Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say, ‘Here I am’” (Isaiah 58:9a).