If my thinking had been sinful, the Lord would not have listened to me.
God hates the prayers of people who disregard the law.
What use are all your many sacrifices to me? asks the Lord. I am sick and tired of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat of sacrificial animals. I don't delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats!
When you come to appear before me in worship, who asked you to proudly tramp around my courts?
Don't bring me any more meaningless offerings; your incense is offensive to me. Your new moon festivals and Sabbath observations and your calling of special religious meetings—I can't stand them because they're evil, as are your solemn assemblies.
I detest your new moon and yearly festivals with my whole being! They've become just a burden to me—I can't bear them anymore!
When you hold up your hands to me in prayer, I'll look away. Even though you pray many prayers, I won't pay attention to them, because your hands are full of blood.
Don't you see? The Lord's arm isn't too weak to save you, and his ear isn't too deaf to hear you!
It's your guilt that has created a barrier between you and your God; your sins have hidden his face from you so he can't hear you.
We know that God doesn't listen to sinners, but he does listen to anyone who worships him and does what he wants.