A Heart Prepared For Prayer

Main Idea: While we are called to pray always, we must also examine our hearts to ensure alignment with God's will. If our heart resists forgiveness or harbors unrighteous sentiments, we must humbly acknowledge it before God and seek to cultivate sincerity and compassion in prayer.

Luke 18:1

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing.

The instruction is to always pray. Nevertheless, you must be fervent in judging your own heart.

Example: Forgiveness in Prayer

When praying for forgiveness for others, if your heart doesn't hold the righteous sentiments to forgive your offender, then admit it to God. Though He already knows the disposition of your heart, admission is an act of humility. Ask Him to help you feel true compassion for those who offend you. The following scriptures should also be an incentive to do so.

Mark 11:25

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Matthew 6:14-15

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Reflect on Christ’s Example

If you are having a hard time forgiving those who have hurt or misused you, then in the midst of your prayer time, stop and think on these things.

• Consider Jesus’ sacrifice and resolve to be as He is, regarding His compassion and obedience.

1 Peter 2:21

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.

Philippians 2:5

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

Christ forgave all those who harmed or betrayed Him.

• Reflect on the consequences that the Offender must suffer.
• Think of the natural and spiritual consequences for the offender and let that motivate your prayers.

Matthew 18:6-7

6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for

him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth

of the sea.

7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but

woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!