Day 3 – A hindrance to prayer

James 5:16a “Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray also for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart …”

Psalm 66:18 “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”

God hears our prayer – that is the truth, and we will look at those promises soon. However, there are times when prayers are hindered, when God will not heed them. That is when there is willful sin in one’s heart. A hardened heart, a heart full of pride or unbelief, and unconfessed sin will prevent prayers to be answered.

James says we should precede our prayer by confessing our sins, offenses, faults, and slip-ups to one another. Repentance brings forth a contrite, humble attitude. Daniel prayed and confessed his sin and the sins of his people as he presented the nation’s plight to God. David’s heart was broken before God when he realised his sin. He repented and cried out to the Lord in utter brokenness, acknowledging his transgressions (Psalm 51). God desires truth in our hearts. David asked God to create in him a clean heart and to renew a steadfast spirit within him. The result of this kind of attitude is purity, restored joy, and answered prayer.

Dear friend, let us ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any unforgiveness, sin, or offense in our hearts, and let us ask forgiveness so that we may be healed and restored.

Prayer: Lord, as David prayed that day, I ask that You will have mercy on me according to Your steadfast love … Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and guilt and cleanse me and make me wholly pure from my sin. Thank you for guiding me in Your Word. Thank you for making a way for me to approach You in prayer, knowing that You hear me when I pray. Amen.

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