Why Prayers Are Not Heard

In Zechariah (7:3-5) the congregation had been weeping and fasting in the month of May for many years, because May 10th was the anniversary of the destruction of Jerusalem (Jer 52:12-14).

Now, the temple was nearly finished so they questioned whether they ought to continue their fasts: "Should we continue to weep and fast after 70 years?"

In God's eyes, their fasting was not meaningful but hypocritical. As a result, their prayers were not heard (Zec 7:5-14).
What they did wrong

Hypocrisy . They claimed to be fasting unto the Lord, but their ceremonies had no life or soul, and their prayers had no power. That's because they were self-indulgent, dwelling on their bitter past in annual pity parties.

But, God had told them everything plainly and they would not listen to a word He had said . (Zech 7:12).
What they should have done

Had they searched the Scriptures of the prophets , they would have known that those additional fasts were not commanded by God, but instituted by man and developed an authority of their own.

They were supposed to seek God’s revelation and the Spirit-filled sermons preached by the earlier prophets.

They were supposed to obey the teachings of the prophets.
God became angry, really angry – because they followed man-made ceremonies (religion) instead of His word -- and the land became desolate after them.

What can we learn from their sin of religious hypocrisy?

1.  Self-indulgent prayers and ceremonies do not move God.
2.  Because their hearts were not right, their process did not work.
3.  People who do not listen and obey, cannot enforce His mandate for their lives.

" If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will heal their land." (2 Chron 7:14) .

Blessings be upon you,
Archbishop N. Duncan-Williams
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