June. 12th Praying Effectively V
Bible Reading: Mat. 18:18-35; 2 Cor. 7:1
1 Jn. 1:9-10 ‘if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us’
Sin is a spiritual barrier to anyone’s prayer. Micah 3:4 says ‘then they will cry to the Lord, but He will not hear them; He will even hide His face from them at that time, because they have been evil in their deeds’
If you want to enjoy the blessings of effective prayer, confess any known sin and ask for God’s forgiveness. ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive…’ Let the blood of Jesus cleanse you of all unrighteousness and purge the overwhelming guilt it brings.
‘One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination’ Prov. 28:9. God takes sin seriously and holiness really matters. No matter how modern society attempts to redefine morality, the Scriptures are clear about right and wrong.
David said ‘who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults’ Ps. 19:12. Ask for grace to walk uprightly in public and private and this will boost your prayer life incredibly. God dwells in the ‘holiest place’ and those who approach Him must live holy.
Prayer:
i. Shine the light of the Word on your life and repent of all filthiness of the flesh and the spirit. 2 Cor. 7:1
ii. Ask for a great wave of salvation, especially in nations still antagonistic towards the Gospel. Ps. 2:8; 2 Thess. 3:1-3
Thought for the Day:
Lord, cleanse me from secret or spoken-of faults