DCLM Higher Everyday 16 November 2023 — Hindrances to Prayer 2
Topic: Hindrance to Prayer 2
Text: Mark 11:20-26
20And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
21And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
22And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
23For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
25And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
26But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Key Verse: “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. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses” (Mark 11:25, 26).
Message
John Mason said, “Without forgiveness, life is governed by an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation.” Jesus prayed much and encouraged His disciples to pray. He also taught them how to pray. However, He warned against not forgiving as a hindrance to prayers. He narrated a fearful parable to illustrate the danger of lack of forgiveness. A man was handed over to the tormentors though he pleaded for mercy because he refused to forgive his debtor.
Offences come every day and people can hurt us willfully or unintentionally. Sometimes the wound is so deep that it is difficult to forgive. But, as a child of God, you cannot afford to habour bitterness and offences in your heart. Unwillingness to forgive will pollute your spirit and hinder your prayers. When you forgive someone, you set a prisoner free – yourself. Yes, you are helping yourself most when you forgive others their offences. Sow mercy, and you will reap mercy. Ask for grace from God to forgive all that have offended you. Then you will see your relationship with God flow freely and your prayers will be answered.
Quote: Sow mercy and reap mercy
Challenge: Offences come every day and we should forgive offenders.
Prayer for today: Lord, give me the grace to forgive.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
