The Jesus Bible Reading Plan / CHERISHING SIN HINDERS PRAYER

The Jesus Bible Reading Plan

Day 158 of 365 CHERISHING SIN HINDERS PRAYER The psalmist invited all to hear about the opportunity for securing God's favor (v. 16). He was full of joy because the Lord had heard his prayers. He knew this was only possible because of his genuine humility and distaste for the sins present in his life. "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened" (v. 18). Jesus taught that if someone is holding a grudge against someone, they must forgive them in order to receive forgiveness themselves from the Lord (Mk 11:25). This is not a contradiction to grace - adding some formula of work before one can receive pardon. Jesus wants people to go to God with integrity, refusing to make requests while harboring things God hates. It puts people into a position of humility - yielded to God's authority and aligned with his Word. Jesus, if there is any grudge hiding in my heart right now, please point it out to me and help me get rid of it. I don't want anything coming between God and me. Amen. Psalms 66:16-20 NASB 16 Come and hear, all who fear God, And I will tell of what He has done for my soul. 17 I cried to Him with my mouth, And He was extolled with my tongue. 18 If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear; 19 But certainly God has heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer. 20 Blessed be God, Mark 11:25 NASB 25 Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.