
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Proverbs 15:8 (NAB)
The prayer of the upright; those with hearts right with God. A humble, honest, and sincere prayer is the Lord’s delight. These prayers come from the heart and include thanks for His grace, blessings, forgiveness, and compassion. The character of the sacrifice (or gift) giver is more important than the sacrifice itself. A significant gift from an immoral person does not bring God pleasure.
Verse 8 from the Message Bible states:
8 God can’t stand pious poses,
Proverbs 15:8 (MSG)
but he delights in genuine prayers.
Righteousness and justice are what the Lord desires.
To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice.
Proverbs 21:3 (NET)
The prayer of the upright is the Lord’s delight. ⁘
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Are your prayers coming from your heart?
Don’t worry about having the right words; worry more about having the right heart. It’s not eloquence he seeks, just honesty.
Max Lucado
Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for hearing our prayers. Open our hearts to Your teaching; lead us to a right heart. Guide our actions and attitudes, and teach us to be more Christ-like (upright). Like the humbly bowed flowers of the lily of the valley, let us bow before You in humble prayer with thanksgiving. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen