June. 24th The ‘What’ Of Prayer III
Bible Reading: Mat. 6:14; Lk. 18:10-14

Mk. 11:25
‘and whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses’
One of the rules of God-approved prayer is harbour no ‘unforgiveness’ in your heart. Bitterness, wrath and grudges are illnesses of the spirit-man and corrupt the altar of prayer. Those who are prompt to let things go enjoy speedy answers to their prayers.
Rest assured nothing is worth trading-in for answered prayer. It does not matter what was said about you, done to you or taken from you. Jesus said ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they do’ Lk. 23:34 while still hanging on the Cross. Forgiving the offenses of people is crucial to sanctioned prayer.
One significant bastion that must be pulled down to be effective in prayer is pride. Jam. 4:6 says ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble’. Be humble, put on meekness and approach God without traces of arrogance.
‘The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way’ Ps. 25:9 God is Almighty. He is All-knowing and All-seeing. He created all things and does as He pleases with no one to question Him. When you pray, recognize whom you are speaking to and let it reflect in the posture of your heart.
Prayer:
i. Pray that God will sweep your heart clean of bitterness, unforgiveness, ill-will and grudges towards anyone
ii. Pray ‘if there be any wicked way in me, lead me in the way everlasting’ Ps. 139:24
Thought for the Day:
God cannot answer the prayers of those He is resisting