10 Aware that prayer is a restricted privilege, King Solomon asked that Jehovah hear only foreigners

who prayed toward Gods temple in Jerusalem. (1 Kings 8:41-43) Centuries later, the Gentile foreigner
Cornelius made supplication to God continually as a devout man. Upon gaining accurate knowledge,
Cornelius dedicated himself to God, who then gave him the holy spirit. Following this, Cornelius and other
Gentiles were baptized. (Acts 10:1-44) Like Cornelius, anyone today progressing toward dedication may
be encouraged to pray. But an individual who is insincere about studying the Scriptures, does not know
the divine requirements for prayer, and has not yet displayed an attitude pleasing to God cannot be said
to fear Jehovah, have faith, or be earnestly seeking him. Such a person is not in position to offer prayers
acceptable to God.
11 Some who were at one time progressing toward dedication later may seem to be holding back. If
they do not have enough love for God in their heart to make an unreserved dedication to him, they ought
to ask themselves whether they still have the wonderful privilege of prayer. Apparently not, because those
approaching God must be earnestly seeking him and also righteousness and meekness. (Zephaniah 2:3)
Everyone who really fears Jehovah is a believer who makes a dedication to God and symbolizes it by
getting baptized. (Acts 8:13; 18:8) And only baptized believers have an unrestricted privilege of
approaching the King Eternal in prayer.