Probably every person who has ever used a phone has heard the recorded message, “Your call cannot be completed as dialed. Please check the number and dial again.” This is an indication that something went wrong with the attempted call, usually on the caller’s end or the phone network. Can something similar happen in our spiritual lives?
We may be under the impression that God is required to always “pick up the phone” when we pray. But the Bible does not teach that. Consider some sobering verses: “One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination” (Prov. 28:9). “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear” (Psa. 66:18). God told rebelling Israel, “Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear” (Isa. 1:15).
Sin is not something to play with! When I allow sin to abide in my life and separate me from God (Isa. 59:1-2), my prayers will “not be completed” if dialed. I’d better “check” my life and try again!