In the biblical narrative, the concept of prayer is deeply intertwined with the relationship between God and humanity. Scripture consistently emphasizes that God hears and answers the prayers of the faithful. However, there are clear indications that those who reject God's call may find their prayers unanswered. This theme is evident throughout the Bible, where the rejection of God's call is often associated with a spiritual separation that affects the efficacy of prayer.

Biblical Foundation

1. Proverbs 28:9 · "Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable." This verse underscores the principle that ignoring God's commandments and guidance results in prayers that are not only unanswered but are considered offensive to God. The rejection of divine instruction is equated with a severance of communication with the Almighty.

2. Isaiah 1:15 · "When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood." Here, the prophet Isaiah conveys God's message to a rebellious Israel, highlighting that persistent disobedience and moral corruption lead to a divine refusal to hear prayers. The imagery of blood-stained hands symbolizes a life of sin that blocks the path to effective prayer.

3. Zechariah 7:11-13 · "But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped their ears from hearing. They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts. And just as He called and they would not listen, so when they called, I would not listen, says the LORD of Hosts." This passage illustrates the reciprocal nature of divine-human communication. When God's call is persistently ignored, He, in turn, withholds His response to their cries.

Theological Implications

The rejection of God's call is not merely a passive act but an active decision to turn away from His will and purpose. This rejection is often characterized by a refusal to listen to God's word, a hardening of the heart, and a deliberate choice to follow one's own path. Such actions create a barrier between the individual and God, resulting in prayers that go unanswered.

New Testament Insights

1. John 9:31 · "We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will." This statement, made by the man healed of blindness, reflects a common understanding in Jewish thought that aligns with the broader biblical narrative. It emphasizes that a life aligned with God's will is a prerequisite for effective prayer.

2. James 4:3-4 · "And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God." James highlights that prayers driven by selfish desires and a worldly mindset are inherently flawed and unlikely to be answered. The rejection of God's call is often manifested in such misaligned priorities.

Practical Considerations

For believers, the call of God is an invitation to a life of obedience, faith, and communion with Him. The rejection of this call is a serious matter with spiritual consequences, including the denial of answers to prayer. It serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's life with God's will and remaining receptive to His guidance. The biblical witness consistently affirms that God desires to hear and respond to the prayers of His people, but this is contingent upon a heart that is open and responsive to His call.Proverbs 1:24,25,28
Because I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... Answers. ... the circumstance, that even the wishes of unbelievers are not denied; and,
secondly ... to stimulate his true worshippers to more urgent prayer, when they ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ...
... it is he calls, and for what reason, he answers, it is ... them," (1:Sam.2:25), it is
not denied that their ... but as it seemed somewhat absurd that prayer should be ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 24 election confirmed by.htm

All Mankind Guilty; Or, Every Man Knows More than He Practises.
... and he will answer No, if he answers truly. ... For this reason, the Church has denied
that the pagan is ... of the written Word, the listener to prayer and oftentimes ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/all mankind guilty or every.htm

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
... failed to perceive the authority of Love, had he denied this food ... One said prayer,
another fasting; but St ... I:reply: Christ answers the question when he tells us ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fourth sunday after epiphany.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... Jerome answers the second, third, and fourth propositions of ... through fear of a
maid-servant denied Him. ... 4808] cannot be overcome, except by prayer and fasting. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Brethren at Home.
... As we read the answers in this popular treatise, we ... They denied, in a word, that
the Holy Communion had ... therefore, when the believer knelt in prayer, he must ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vii the brethren at.htm

Book ix. In the Last Book we Treated of the Indistinguishable ...
... Let him tell us what is the meaning of this prayer. ... To the working on the Sabbath
He answers that He can ... subjects Him to necessity, and He is denied free-will ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book ix in the last.htm

Election and Holiness
... spirits." Now, I very heartily use this prayer, but how ... all alive, giving all kinds
of answers to my ... exceptions, where are the saints who denied the Election ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/election and holiness.htm

According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ...
... Christ, the use of the sacraments, of prayer, and good ... 261] Thirdly, It agrees and
answers with the ... freely reject the heresy of Apollinarius, who denied him to ...
/.../proposition vi according to which.htm

An Examination of the Treatise of William Perkins Concerning the ...
... necessarily be presupposed to that conclusion, which you wish to deduce from prayer. ...
is of God" (2 Corinthians 3:5). This is not denied by those, who speak ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/an examination of the treatise.htm

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