Proverbs 15:8-10 (ESV)
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
but he loves him who pursues righteousness.
God accepts the prayers of the righteous but rejects even the sacrifice of the wicked. When an honest worshipper sacrificed to the Lord, the humble believer offered an animal in obedience. The wicked would bring offerings in an attempt to manipulate God to do as they pleased. They believed if they gave God what he wanted, he would have to respond to their cries for help. And yet, they refused to give God their lives. They wanted to live according to their own desires while enjoying the favor of the Lord. But God is with those who seek him and his righteousness. The one who longs for God will be graced with all she needs in this life and rewarded in the next. When you pray or serve the Lord, do you assume he is obligated to you as a result? Or do you worship because it is the right thing to do?