Recently an adventure athlete in Colorado claimed to set a new record for climbing a certain number of mountains in the shortest amount of time, trumpeting the feat across social media. Turns out, however, that she skipped one peak and failed to mention that detail. The climbing community quickly called out the lie.

Unfortunately, despite a truly remarkable effort, no one trusts the word of this athlete. Shading the truth for personal gain—leaning into hypocrisy—damages a reputation, often beyond repair.

Like the honest folks frustrated with this young climber, the Lord turns his nose up at the prayers of posers:

Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him...When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening.

The way ruin your prayers? Turn your heart inward. Put yourself above others. Build your reputation by shading the truth. Pass by the oppressed. The fatherless and the widow can take care of themselves.

To the appeals of the hypocrite, even those appearing the most religious, the Lord responds with eyes closed and fingers in his ears.

However, if at any time we return to God willing and obedient, the Lord opens his eyes and unstops his ears—which makes for a way better prayer life.

Isaiah 1 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Carl Cheng