Hi, Mike —

This is a quote from the Pharisees. It is not an inspired statement; it's an accurate portrayal of what the Pharisees thought, but we shouldn't use it to establish doctrine.

Scripture does say that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16), but Scripture does not say that God doesn't hear those who are in a state of mortal sin. Obviously, if they repent and ask for mercy, he listens to that. Look at the story of the Prodigal Son; he was dead, by the father's own admission, but he received him back. Not only did he listen to him, he ran out to meet him and restore him to sonship without even letting him do his prepared spiel.

• If you ask for something that is salutary, God will grant it (Luke 11:11-13).
• if, however, you ask for something foolish, selfish, or otherwise contrary to your own good, God will not grant it.

Anyone who is in a state of mortal sin should first of all pray for repentance, contrition, and mercy.

• It's one thing to be in a state of mortal sin;
• it's another to prefer to remain in it while expecting God to act like a cosmic vending machine of goodies.

God will not be mocked.

Eric Ewanco