In Jeremiah, chapter eleven, verse fourteen, “Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble.” Several times, God instructed Jeremiah not to pray or intercede for the people, as also in chapter seven, verse sixteen, and chapter fourteen, verse eleven, respectively. The people persisted in rebellion against the Lord and were so attached to their idols that their prayers for them would be ineffective. God had so resolved to give them no help when their time of destruction came. This passage warns us that our prayers might not be answered by God if we are not making a sincere effort to obey and follow His ways.
Evil pursues sinners and entangles them in snares, out of which they cannot free themselves. Now, in their distress, their many gods and many altars stand them in no stead. And those whose own prayers will not be heard cannot expect benefit from the prayers of others. Their profession of religion shall prove of no use. When trouble came upon them, they made this their confidence, but God has rejected it.
His altar shall yield them no satisfaction. The remembrance of God’s former favours to them shall be no comfort under troubles; and his remembrance of them shall be no argument for their relief. Every sin against the Lord is a sin against ourselves, and so it will be found sooner or later.
The songwriter said, “There is only one way to touch Him. Just believe when you call on His name.” However, God’s way is the only way. Otherwise, it will not work with Him. Obedience is to follow God’s holy instruction. Disobedience is a direct cutoff from God.