Much in Prayer
by S. M. Hutchens
One of the most common themes in the oracles of the Old Testament prophets is God’s utter disgust with religious exercises as substitutes for doing what the worshipers know to be right. The Prophet Amos speaks the word of God to Israel, saying,
I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and cereal offerings, I will not accept them, and the peace offerings of your fatted beasts I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. (Amos 5:21–24)
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