The Golden Rule of Prayer

If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law,

even his prayers are detestable.

Proverbs 28:9

Most of us are familiar with the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would like them to do to you” (Luke 6:31). Just about everyone, whether they are Christ followers or not, agrees that the Golden Rule is excellent advice to follow if we desire harmonious relationships with our brothers and sisters here on earth. And yet how often do we apply that same truth to our relationship with God? How often do we treat God the way we want Him to treat us? Or, perhaps a more fitting question might be, what would happen if God treated us the way we treat Him?

As you hold that question in your mind, carefully read Proverbs 28:9, which is considered to be the “Golden Rule” of prayer. This Proverb teaches us a basic truth in all our communion and conversation with God: if we want God to listen to us, we must be willing to first listen to Him. We delude ourselves if we think we can come to God in prayer and expect that He will hear us when we are not listening as He very clearly tells us in His Word what we are to do—and not to do!

Now, I’m not suggesting we seek out obscure verses in order to find God’s will for areas of our lives where the Bible does not give us specific instructions—those “gray” areas where we must actively discern God’s specific will and purpose as it applies to our individual circumstances. Although there are some verses in the Bible where active discernment and complex interpretation formulas need to be applied, in most instances God’s Word is very specific. Our Lord desires that we live a life pleasing to Him, and He has given us clear direction on how to accomplish that goal!

Today I challenge you to make this your number one priority: Remember the Golden Rule of Prayer! Don’t deceive yourself by thinking you can separate the spiritual from the physical. One feeble act of obedience is more powerful than the most fervent prayer we could possibly offer when we are turning a deaf ear to God’s clear directives! This is not a matter of prayer, but instead it is a matter of performance. It is doing what God asks us to do, even when being obedient is a sacrifice. After all, if a sacrifice doesn’t cost us something, it’s really not a sacrifice at all!

How are you turning a deaf ear to your Lord? Are you rejoicing, giving thanks, and praying because you know that is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18)? Or are you grumbling and complaining and wondering why your prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling? Are you seeking God’s kingdom and a right relationship with Him (Matthew 6:33)? Or are you still running after the things of the world and questioning why God’s blessing and favor seems to elude you? Are you casting your cares on Him, confident that He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)? Or are you clinging to your problems with a death grip, unwilling to relinquish them to God’s wisdom and providence?

Today is the day to change your behavior so that you can reap God’s rich blessings! Remember the Golden Rule of Prayer! Listen to the Lord as a prelude to Him listening to you.

To have God speak to the heart is a majestic experience,

an experience that people may miss

if they monopolize the conversation

and never pause to hear God’s responses.

~~Charles Stanley

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A Question to Ponder: How are you turning a deaf ear to your Lord? What clear directions are you failing to heed, especially those that pertain to caring for yourself as a reflection of God’s care for you?

A Prayer to Offer: Lord God, you know me better than I know myself. You see my heart. You know the secret thoughts I keep hidden from the watching world. How often I pride myself on looking good in the eyes of others, but fail to consider how I look to you! Men and women look at the outside, at the facade, but you look at my heart. You know my motives and intentions—and you know when I turn a deaf ear to the words you are speaking to me. You know when I spend time with you only because I want something from you, not because I long to see your face and know your heart. Forgive me, Lord, for expecting you to respond to my words when I fail to respond to yours. Forgive me for the arrogance that tells me you will listen to my prayers when I intentionally ignore your words to me. Thank you for leading me into all truth, especially as it applies to the golden rule of prayer. Today I will listen and learn from you rather than coming to you with my agenda. I will yield myself to you and your plan for my life. Help me to be a good listener, for you are worthy of my time and attention. Amen.

An Action Step to Take: Intentionally place yourself in God’s presence for the expressed purpose of listening. Remember God extends the invitation, God sets the agenda, God initiates the conversation. Your responsibility is to show up, listen, and learn.

“Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.”

1 Samuel 3:9