DOES GOD HEAR OUR PRAYERS?

Rabbi Rifat Sonsino, Ph.D

 In the Hebrew Bible, the basic assumption is that God hears our prayers and responds. For example, the Psalmist declares, “Blessed is God who has not turned away my prayer” (Ps.66:20; see also 34:18; 116:1-2; 145:18). The prophet states, “Call and I will answer you” (Jer. 33:3). In the wisdom literature, God is viewed as one “who hears the prayer of the righteous (Prov. 15:29). And in the daily liturgy, we find that God “hearkens to prayer” (16^th benediction).

Yet, many prayers seem to be left unanswered in spite of our need, sincerity and fervor. Even the Psalmist at times complains, “How long, O Lord will you ignore me forever” (Ps. 13:1), and the prophet exclaims, “How long, O Lord, shall I cry out and you do not listen” (Hab.1:2). Some people justify God’s silence by the fact that we lack faith, or because we treated others wrongly or even because we are prideful.

In reality, the answer may be found elsewhere. Instead of worrying about whether God listens to our prayers or not, I suggest, we concentrate on the formulation of our prayers, which are nothing but an expression of our hopes and expectations of ourselves! It does not make a difference if someone is listening. The prayer exercise itself must help us formulate our prayers in a realistic and constructive manner—don’t ask for miracles or for the impossible-, giving us options for possible future behavior.

 What do you think?