The prayers of non-Christians
Hello! I remember being taught in Confirmation class in the 70s that God does not listen to the "prayers" of non-Christians, and that they are not real prayers at all. Has the WELS changed its stance on this, or is my recollection faulty? Thank you.
Your recollection is correct. The Bible teaches that there is only one God, the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; other “gods” do not exist (Isaiah 43:11).
The Bible teaches that God hears and answers the prayers of only those who are joined to him in faith (Psalm 34:15-16; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Peter 3:12). In the sermon on the mount Jesus explained that the prayers of unbelievers amount to “babbling” (Matthew 6:7). The prayers of non-Christians are words addressed to gods who do not exist, and so they are meaningless and idle words.
Because this is the timeless message of the Bible, the “stance” of our synod has not changed.
But rather than ending my response at this point, I do want you to know that we strive to share God’s word with people in our country and throughout the world, so that they may know Jesus Christ in faith, enjoy his salvation and then, with your question in mind, know with certainty that the true God hears and answers their prayers as his children in faith. The conversion of others is what we express in this prayer: “O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and have sent your messengers to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near. Grant that by the witness of your Church many may be brought into your kingdom and worship you, the only true God; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (Christian Worship: Manual, p. 476)