Our prayers reveal what fills our hearts. David understood this. After being confronted by Nathan regarding his sin, David pleaded to be cleansed and to receive a clean heart (Psalm 51:9-10).
When we allow unconfessed sin in our lives, God won’t hear our prayers because it creates a barrier between us and Him. He’s promised to forgive transgression once we admit our action is wrong and turn away from it (1 John 1:9). But if we only give lip service to our confession or refuse to change ungodly ways, we haven’t truly repented.
Since we can’t always discern what’s hiding in our hearts, it’s wise to pray as David did in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there is any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”
Prayer is the communication link between us and our loving heavenly Father. Let’s not allow anything to block our relationship with Him and hinder our prayers. Instead, we must confess and turn from all known sin so we can come to Him with a pure heart.
Today’s psalm records one of King David’s prayers. It reveals how he praised the Lord, cried out about his troubles, and asked God to “hear the sound of [his] pleadings” (v. 2) and not be silent. We all want to pray effectively, but to do so, we must avoid certain hindrances:
Wavering faith (James 1:5-8). Doubts about God’s character or dependability diminish our trust in Him. In our uncertainty, we’re more likely to be tossed back and forth by our feelings instead of being grounded in truth.
Wrong motives (James 4:3). God wants us to pray for His will to be done—not for selfish desires to be granted.
Conflict in relationships (1 Peter 3:7). We can’t expect the Lord to answer our prayers if we’re not treating other people as He says we should.
Indifference to God’s Word (Proverbs 28:9). If we’re unwilling to listen to the Lord and obey His commands, our prayers become an abomination to God.
A strong prayer life comes with a godly pattern of seeking to know and please the Lord, not ourselves. Consider whether any of the above issues need correction. Then, start by personalizing the prayers you read in the Psalms or elsewhere in God’s Word.
To get the most out of this devotion, set aside time to read the scriptures referenced throughout.
Franklin D. Roosevelt wrote, “A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.” It’s a simple but wise saying that reminds us about the importance of hardships in our life. Without challenges, we never learn new skills or gain the spiritual strength needed in order to endure. This is why the apostle Paul teaches us to “celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).
Everyone faces difficulties. For some, it might involve financial challenges or the loss of good health. Others might know the pain that comes with the breakup of a family or the death of a long-held dream. The question is not if one of these things will happen to us but when. Rather than spend time worrying, we put our faith in God—the One who tells us, “Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will carry you!” (Isaiah 46:4).
Think about it
- Write a thank-you note to God, expressing gratitude for the challenges and difficulties you have faced in life. Tell Him all the ways they’ve benefited you over time.
Discouragement feels like a big weight on our shoulders. It steals motivation, makes work more difficult, and diminishes our enjoyment of life. The reasons for discouragement vary—general dissatisfaction with life, criticism from others, failure to live up to our own expectations, painful relationships, ongoing trials, declining health, and hopelessness for the future are just a few.
Nehemiah’s situation teaches an important lesson about handling discouragement. When he heard a report about the poor condition of Jerusalem and the plight of the Jewish remnant living there, he was deeply distressed. In his dismay over their situation, Nehemiah turned to the Lord in prayer. He knew that His great God could change the situation. In his prayer, Nehemiah praised God’s awesome character, confessed sin on behalf of himself and the nation, recalled divine promises, and presented his petition.
When we face discouragement, our first priority should be to cry out to our heavenly Father. But our prayers should begin with a focus on the Lord, not our problems. Once we have confessed our sin and adjusted our perspective to see God’s greatness and care, then we’re ready to trust Him to answer our petitions in His timing
If you attend church, then God has given you a pastor to care for your soul by modeling godliness, preaching the Word, and training and exhorting you in righteousness—even when you might not feel like listening. He cares about your spiritual well-being and needs to know you care for him too.
Many believers neglect giving encouragement to the pastor because they forget that he too is a member of the body of Christ. It can be lonely and discouraging to selflessly sacrifice for the congregation without ever receiving honor and appreciation from them.
Today’s passage says that we should obey and submit to our leaders so they can faithfully do their job as shepherds with joy instead of groaning. Paul said elders who rule well and work hard at preaching and teaching should be given double honor (1 Timothy 5:17).
When was the last time you expressed appreciation to your pastor? This week, look for ways to demonstrate your love to him. And above all, pray for him. Don’t assume that he needs no intercession; the opposite is true. Every pastor needs to know that his congregation values him.
