When speaking of this type of “wicked” people, Scripture is not referring to pagans, but to the wicked among God’s own people. Thus, Isaiah tells the people of God, “Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Give ear to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah! 'What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?' says the Lord.… When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood” (Isaiah 1:10–11, Isaiah 1:15).
Even in its Christian form, God finds such religion detestable. But his ears are always turned toward the prayers of the upright (Psalm 34:15).
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.