Approaching in Prayer

The idea of erecting buildings so that worshipers can approach their god has been commonplace throughout much of recorded history.  Such was behind those who erected structures for pagan gods in Arnobius' day as they respond to his sarcasm:

But it is not for this reason that we assign temples to the gods as though we wished to ward off from them drenching storms of rain, winds, showers, or the rays of the sun; but in order that we may be able to see them in person and close at hand, to come near and address them, and impart to them, when in a measure present, the expressions of our reverent feelings.  (Arnobius of Sicca, The Case against the Pagans, Book VI, cap. 4)

This seems to be reasonable: create a sacred space, not for the deity, but so that a person can enter before the deity in order to make petitions.  Arnobius points out that the problem is in pagans viewing these places as the only location where a worshiper could meet his god.  Christians recognize that a specially-made enclosure is not required to come before the God of heaven, so what is deficient in the pagan gods to require them?

For if they are invoked under the open heaven, and the canopy of ether, they hear nothing, I suppose; and unless prayers are addressed to them near at hand, they will stand deaf and immoveable as if nothing were said.  And yet we think that every god whatever—if only he has the power of this name—should hear what every one said from every part of the world, just as if he were present; nay, more, should foresee, without waiting to be told what every one conceived in his secret and silent thoughts.  (Arnobius, Book VI, cap. 4)

If a god is true to his character, he should be omniscient.  Wherever and whenever a petition is made, there the deity should hear, or know the request if unspoken, and give a proper response even enacting the answer before the request goes forth.  King David understood something of this as he writes:

O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.

As certain as bodies move in their appointed paths and seasons, deities are to be present—attentive to worshipers wherever they may be.

And as the stars, the sun, the moon, while they wander above the earth, are steadily and everywhere in sight of all those who gaze at them without any exception; so, too, it is fitting that the ears of the gods should be closed against no tongue, and should be ever within reach, although voices should flow together to them from widely separated regions.  For this it is that belongs specially to the gods,—to fill all things with their power, to be not partly at any place, but all everywhere, not to go to dine with the Ethiopians, and return after twelve days to their own dwellings.  (Arnobius, Book VI, cap. 4)

Omnipresence being a divine attribute, it will certainly be found in the character of the Lord our God as David declared:

Where shall I go from your Spirit?
    Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!  (Ps 139:7-8)

If a god falls short, what can be done?  There is no hope, no certainty, no comfort that he is present, has heard, or will answer.  All is futile.

Now, if this be not the case, all hope of help is taken away, and it will be doubtful whether you are heard by the gods or not, if ever you perform the sacred rites with due ceremonies. … If all at one time beg of a deity with sacrifices what their wants compel each one to think about, what hope, pray, will there be to all of obtaining the benefit, if the god does not hear the cry sent up to him everywhere, and if there shall be any distance to which the words of the suppliant for help cannot penetrate?  For either he will be nowhere present, if he may at times not be anywhere, or he will be at one place only, since he cannot give his attention generally, and without making any distinction.  And thus it is brought about, that either the god helps none at all, if being busy with something he has been unable to hasten to give ear to their cries, or one only goes away with his prayers heard, while the rest have effected nothing.  (Arnobius, Book VI, cap. 5)

Such is not the case concerning the Lord Jesus.  He has promised to be present always (Matt 28:20), interceding for us before the throne (Heb 4:14-16; 7:25) and responding according to our need (Heb 4:15-16); and we do so in full assurance that the Father desires to hear us (John 16:34-24) as the Holy Spirit also intercedes for the saints for our good (Rom 8:27-28).