Does God hear the prayers of the sinner? The story of Cornelius, a devout, God-fearing man gives the answer. We notice the four points used by the Spirit to describe Cornelius in chapter 10:2, “devout”, meaning pious or godly: “feared God”, meaning in awe of or having reverence: “gave much alms”, emphasizing his selflessness: “prayed to God always”, denoting constant petition, beseeching.
The three verbs; “feared”, “gave” and “prayed”, are present participles, showing that he was engaged in these activities continually or repeatedly, so really his manner of life is clearly expressed in the verse. This is the type of sinner whom God hears. One who has a genuine interest in Him and in His Son. Not the” religious” person who believes his soul is secured by the vain repetition of prayers, said by rote for the satisfaction and appeasement of conscience and not in penitent faith. It was while he was praying at the ninth hour, which was one of the Jewish prayer times, that he had his revelation about Peter. While we have no record as to the requests made by Cornelius, the answer to his prayers was the arrival of Peter, who brought before him the substance of the Gospel and the Truth concerning Jesus Christ. Peter’s audience was attentive and well prepared by the Holy Spirit: “Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God” 10:33. To such an audience Peter begins to preach the gospel, 10:34-43, There is evidence to the answer to the above question, when in v.3, the man in “bright clothing” says, “Cornelius, thy prayer is heard”.
Hear Now These Words 