An Inward Relationship (Hosea 7:1-16) PRAYER

They do not cry out to me from their hearts but wail on their beds. They slash themselves appealing to their gods for grain and new wine, but they turn away from me. – Hosea 7:14

The people of Israel are unrepentant and insincere. | WATCH ON YOUTUBE

The Lord had faithfully led His people for years, provided for their every need. And yet, time and time again, these people went away from God. They went after other gods, gods of the people around. God describes them as an adulterous woman who keeps going after her lovers and is not faithful to her husband. 

And so, God used this Old Testament prophet Hosea, to call the Israelites to repentance. God commanded Hosea to marry a prostitute, Gomer to send a powerful message to His people. God used the names of three children they have, to send specific messages to Israel. 

The Lord also says that the people are insincere in their prayer. They make a show of praying to the Lord, but their hearts are turned away from the Lord. Their trust is not in the Lord, but rather in the people and the gods around them.

Prayer in its simplest form is talking to God. Prayer directly addresses God. Prayer can be audible or silent, corporate or personal, but all prayer is based on faith (James 1:6). Paul exhorts us in Philippians 4:6-7 to worry about nothing but pray about everything. We are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We are to keep a running conversation going with the Lord through the day. Our prayer reflects our inward relationship with God.

What do people see through your prayer life?

Lord, may my prayer reflect my abiding trust in only you, I pray.

Extended Reading — Hosea 1-7

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