Near To God
Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. The eye of faith will discern God very near, and the suppliant may obtain precious evidence of the divine love and care for him. But why is it that so many prayers are never answered? David says, “I cried unto Him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” [Psalm 66:17, 18.] By another prophet the Lord gives us the promise, “Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” [Jeremiah 29:13.] Again, he speaks of some who “have not cried unto me with their heart.” [Hosea 7:14.] Such petitions are prayers of form, lip-service only, which the Lord does not accept. GW92 35
The prayer which Nathanael offered while he was under the fig-tree, came from a sincere heart, and it was heard and answered by the Master. Christ said of him, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” [John 1:47.] The Lord reads the hearts of all, and understands their motives and purposes. “The prayer of the upright is his delight.” [Proverbs 15:18.] He will not be slow to hear those who open their hearts to him, not exalting self, but sincerely feeling their great weakness and unworthiness. GW92 35