(John 15:7-8) “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you can ask for anything you want, and you will receive it. This is how my Father is glorified, when you produce a lot of fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
(Psalms 66:18) “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:”
God is not under any obligation, to listen to your prayers. He does so out of love and compassion. The only prayer that He has made a promise to respond to, is the confession of your sins. The sin that you have rejected Christ, followed other gods or even made one according to your own mind. And by rejecting the God of the Bible, you will end up ignoring all His commandments and live a life of sin. God clearly declares that none of your prayers at this point will be heard by Him.
Even if you are a Disciple of Christ, sin also affects your prayer life. King David clearly wrote, that just by regarding sin in our hearts, God will not hear our prayers. God does not wait for us to act on what we desire, but just thinking about it is enough for our prayers to die even before we decide to sit down and pray.
In this modern age, it is practically impossible not to be tempted and distracted by all the sin the world offers us. Just turn on the TV or realize what you are following on social media and you will see what I mean. Go to any mall or social gathering, and the temptation to lust, covet, get drunk, or indulge in overeating is what you will find.
Even within the church, we are tempted by the lack of modesty in the clothing worn both by men and women. So what can we do in order to avoid regarding sin in our hearts?
Very simple, abide in Him and let His Word abide in you. This is easier said than done. But we need to start the day reading the Word of God, rejecting and repenting from the desires of our sinful nature, and admitting to God that we need His help.
If this means not watching TV, turning off all social media, or not going out for a season, then do it. I remember when I first returned to Jesus after some years of rebellion. Due to my past, I ensured I was always back home before it got dark, as this was when I would be tempted by the desires still attached to my heart.
Wondering why your prayers don’t get answered? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the hidden sins within your heart, and then ask God to forgive you of those sins in the name of Jesus.
Prayers
• Heavenly Father, You are wonderful in counsel and You are excellent in guidance, You are great in counsel and mighty in work, it is the hills from where my help comes.
• Thank You, Jesus that when we abide in You and Your words abide in us, we can expect to receive anything we ask for.
• Thank You for giving us the strategy to produce lots of fruit and bring glory to Your name.
• Forgive us for all those things that separate us from You and that will cancel all our prayers.
• We ask that You wash our hands from all sin and make us worthy once more to raise them in praise and worship towards You.
• Give us a fresh start today, Lord, so we can walk correctly before You.
• Help us to no longer regard any iniquity in our hearts or to desire anything that is not according to Your will.
• We ask for a sign that we are forgiven, that we are bearing fruit, and let everyone see that we are disciples of Jesus.
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• We ask in Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen