Day 182: Job 21-23; Acts 10:1-25

In the book I am reading by Charles Spurgeon, The Power In Prayer, he poses the question: "Does God listen to the prayers of non-Christians?" He actually asks this to counter an ultra-radical group that challenged his teaching on prayer. People still ask that question. Indeed, I have heard it said with authority: "The only prayer of a non-Christian that God answers is the prayer for salvation."
Cornelius challenges this statement. Yes, we are told he is a God-fearing man who prays regularly. Do you suppose all his praying was for salvation? I doubt it. Though he was definitely seeking God, my guess is that he prayed about everything. God certainly favored him and met his greatest need, which is salvation (that's what Acts 10 is all about), however, it would be absurd to believe that God answered none of his other prayers because he was not a Christian.

To the person who makes the radical claim that God does not answer the prayers of non-believers I ask, "Do you know my God?" He is gracious and loving, forgiving and merciful. His desire is that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. Why would He not engage in conversation with someone who speaks to Him? Perhaps Jesus is the greatest example of this. He talked to sinners all the time. Aren't you glad? If He had not, I would not be His. Thank God He is never limited by our limited perception of Who He Is!