Mankind only began to pray after the birth of Enosh.

And as for Seth, to him also a son was born, and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the Name of the Lord. Genesis 4.26

This means that the only language Cain and Abel knew was able to reach God was through offerings. Sacrifice came before prayer.

Abel was accepted because he understood what God expected of him. There was no use wasting time with dead offerings, he had to do what was right to please God.

Since Cain was a farmer, he thought he was giving the best offering. He did not understand why it was rejected. How many people are in Church today, yet they don’t understand why they are so unsuccessful?

So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted?” Genesis 4.6-7

Our offering has a spiritual significance that is able to distinguish us from others, in the eyes of God.

And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. Genesis 4.3-5

This does not mean we should stop praying, because we need prayer to keep our relationship with God strong. However, how many people have prayed during all of their lives, yet nothing has changed? We must understand that we will be accepted because of the offerings we present to God, such as: not lying, forgiving, turning away from sin and even upsetting the people we love because of our faith. Furthermore, we must understand that, like Abel and Cain, sooner or later, we will be called to materialize our faith through sacrifices to God.

Abraham spoke to God on several occasions; however, what led to his acceptance was sacrifice. To the point where God, after such a long time, said that now He knew he feared Him.

But the Angel of the Lord called him from heaven and said, “Abraham! Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Genesis 22.11-12

The Lord Jesus prayed and also taught how to pray, while He was among us. However, none of His prayers replaced His sacrifice on the cross to save us.