God is aware of everything we say and do. Not even a sparrow can fall
to the ground without His knowing it (Matthew 10:29). Therefore when
anyone prays to God, He is well aware of the words that are spoken.
But does He really consider all the requests that are directed to Him?
Not always! Let the Bible explain.
First, let the Scriptures explain: "Behold, the LORD's hand is
not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot
hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your
sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear" (Isaiah 59:1-2).
Jesus similarly explains: "And when you pray, do not be like the
hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on
the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have
received their reward in full" (Matthew 6:5, NIV).
What then must we do for God to hear our prayers?
Jesus continues: "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and
when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret
place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And
when you pray, do not use vain repetitions [saying the same words over
and over] as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard
for their many words" (verses 6-7).
The Scriptures show that public prayers are appropriate in proper situations.
But most of our prayers should be sincere, private conversations between
just us and God.
