18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth. (Psalm 145:18 ESV)

The Lord draws near us when we draw near to Him. Thus, when we call on Him in prayer other scripture and commentary says “He inclines his ear to us.” God is ever waiting on us to call upon Him and draw near.

But our scripture provides one important qualifier. He does so to all who call on Him in truth. This requires more scrutiny and consideration.

You see, God is “inclining his ear” to those who are sincere in their worship and diligence for Him. It is not that God will not listen to us if we sin, He already knows we are sinful creatures. But He is looking for us to have a contrite heart and to be ever working toward our own sanctification through right acts, a worshipful heart and right attitudes.

This is God’s truth. That we are not just worshiping Him in arbitrary words and deeds that are obligatory. No, He desires that we do so with a heart inclined toward Him sincerely, with earnest desire and strong confidence.