«One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination  (Proverbs 28:9). 

Silvia was a young woman who had grown up in a Christian family. However, she became more and more rebellious with her parents in relation to spiritual matters. Neither did she study the Bible nor did she have the habit of praying. But one day, her world seemed to collapse: she had a strong quarrel with her parents, she did not pass several school exams, and she became angry with her friends. Everything seemed to be going against her and she didn’t know what to do! Then someone suggested that she approach God, because He could solve her problems. But she said, «If God can help me, why doesn’t He do it! He doesn’t realize what’s happening to me!»

The girl did not show the slightest regret or desire to reconcile with God. She just wanted to get out of her troubles, as if God were some kind of firefighter willing to put out the fires that were present in her life. Prayer is one of the great spiritual tools that God has given to believers. «Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence»—Steps to Christ, ch. 11, p. 94. The interesting thing is that there are those who seem to demand from the Lord an answer to their prayers, but they are not willing to obey His commands. They want to receive the blessings but despise the holy law of God. Nor do they want any commitments with God, nor do they show the slightest regret for their bad attitudes. What can you expect from these types of prayer?

What is needed for the Lord to answer our prayers? «There are certain conditions upon which we may expect that God will hear and answer our prayers. One Of the first of these is that we feel our need of help from Him. . . . Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, who long after God, may be sure that they will be filled. The heart must be open to the Spirits influence, or God’s blessing cannot be received»—lbid., p. 95.

Today is the last day of the year. It is necessary to establish your relationship with God, don’t you think? The Christian life is a blessing-filled experience that entails challenges. Solomon’s words are an excellent culmination to finish the devotional reflections for this year: «Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all» (Ecclesiastes 12:13).  Ask the Lord to help you start the new year with His blessing.