Purity and Prayer

I opened my Bible and prayer journal but couldn't pray.

I was angry. 

How could I expect to hear from God when I was already ignoring His conviction to repent and apologize for my anger? 

"If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer." Psalm 66:18-19 (1)

The psalm above explains that unrepentant sin builds a wall between us and God. Thoughtful self-examination and honest repentance take down that wall, restoring healthy, effective prayer.

"Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Proverbs 28:13

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us." 1 John 1:9-10  

If we want a rich and meaningful relationship with the Lord, we'll be serious about repenting of our sins before seeking Him in prayer.

Have you experienced times when sin blocked your prayers? If so, you know it's not a good place to be.

Footnote: 

(1) God never stops hearing our prayers. So what does it mean when the psalmist says He stops listening? The 1-minute devotion I'm Not Listening shares an explanation that will help you better understand this concept. See also Psalm 32:1-7. 

Bible Love Notes