Expert: Brenda Martin - 10/21/2010

Question
Refrence 1 John 3:22 & John 9:31
Does God answer prayers of sinners/unsaved?

Answer
The Bible says: “He that is turning his ear away from hearing the law—even his prayer is something detestable.” (Proverbs 28:9; 15:29; Isaiah 1:15) Therefore if we want God to hear our prayers, a basic requirement is that we do his will, that we obey his laws. Otherwise God will not listen to us, just as an upright person would not listen to a radio program that he considers immoral. The Bible says: “Whatever we ask we receive from him, because we are observing his commandments and are doing the things that are pleasing in his eyes.”—1 John 3:22.

Jehovah does not hear the wicked ones, “but the prayer of the righteous ones he hears.” (Prov. 15:8, 29) Jehovah’s ‘ears are toward the righteous ones’ cry for help.’ (Ps. 34:15; 145:18, 19; Isa. 58:8, 9)

“We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is God-fearing and does his will, he listens to this one.” (John 9:31)

The apostle Peter confirmed this when he wrote: “For the eyes of Jehovah are upon the righteous ones, and his ears are toward their supplication; but the face of Jehovah is against those doing bad things.”—1 Pet. 3:12.

However; today the angels, while remaining invisible, are very active in noting the righteously inclined hearts of sheeplike persons who are rendering sincere prayers to God asking for help. (Matt. 25:31-33)

In time Jehovah sees to it that the angels direct God’s people on earth to come in touch with such truth seekers, that they may be shown how to become righteous, then dedicate themselves to God.

all the best
Brenda