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Why Prayers Go Unheard: Iniquity's Barrier

AdventAI

When was she told not to pray for someone in vice

AdventAI

There was a specific instance when she was instructed not to pray for someone deeply entrenched in vice. This occurred during a dream where a man's life was revealed, showing his lifelong practice of self-abuse, even into his married life. She was told that if they were to pray for this afflicted man, the Lord would not hear them because he regarded iniquity in his heart. The man himself acknowledged the truth of this dream and admitted his practices.

This event highlights a crucial principle regarding prayer and the state of the heart:

  • Regard for Iniquity: If one regards iniquity in their heart, the Lord will not hear their prayers. This means that cherishing evil intentions or practices renders prayer ineffective.

  • Conditions for Answered Prayer: For prayers to be effective, there must be earnest sincerity and a fervent desire for help, coupled with an expectation of receiving. A mere form of words without these elements will not avail.

  • The Necessity of Repentance: God pardons those He first makes penitent. While man must employ all his powers to do God's will and fight against sin, sincere repentance and confession are essential for prayer to be a virtue and bring one to the side of Jesus Christ.

  • Divine Intervention and Personal Choice: Though God's mercy lingers and He desires all to turn from wickedness, there are limits to His forbearance. If individuals choose to continue in their sinful ways and refuse to humble their hearts, they may pass a point where the sweet voice of mercy will no longer be heard.

The importance of a pure heart and genuine intention in prayer is consistently emphasized. As the Psalmist stated, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." This principle underscores that true prayer is not just about words, but about a heart willing to align with God's will and forsake evil.

Sources · 10
  1. 1TT 260.1Testimony Treasures, vol. 1Ellen Gould White
  2. ST September 12, 1892, par. 3The Signs of the TimesEllen Gould White
  3. ARSH March 5, 1861, page 122.11Advent Review, and Sabbath Herald, vol. 17James Springer White
  4. Pr 242.2PrayerEllen Gould White
  5. ST March 18, 1903, par. 5The Signs of the TimesEllen Gould White
  6. 25LtMs, Ms 67, 1910, par. 30Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)Ellen Gould White
  7. ARSH February 6, 1866, page 80.7Advent Review, and Sabbath Herald, vol. 27Advent Review, and Sabbath Herald
  8. 8LtMs, Lt 60, 1893, par. 16Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)Ellen Gould White
  9. 2LtMs, Ms 1, 1869, par. 10Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)Ellen Gould White
  10. 19LtMs, Lt 276, 1904, par. 17Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)Ellen Gould White