Holding Grudges, Hindering Prayers

"Whenever you stand praying forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses" (Mark 11:25).

Holding grudges hinders prayer. While the truth of that statement sinks in, consider a core question: Are you so convinced of the power of prayer that it troubles you when your prayers are hindered?

If not, then prayer has become little more than a symbolic routine. But if keeping a vital prayer life matters to you, put yourself in the place of Gideon's would-be warriors (see Judges 7).

God called Gideon to lead His people in battle. Gideon rallied 32,000 troops and set our to fulfill his duty. Along the way God told Gideon he had too many warriors and began sending some of them back home.

The first 22,000 were relieved of duty because they were afraid. God then had Gideon take the remaining 10,000 through an unusual test that further reduced the number of warriors to a mere 300. Imagine being a disqualified warrior-trained, equipped, sent, and then suspended.

Now imagine being a disqualified pray-er. If you are holding grudges by withholding forgiveness, that is what you are. But this is where you differ from Gideon's would-be warriors. Your calling as a praying man or woman has not been revoked. In fact, God very much wants you praying. He needs intercessors. You can reenlist: If you have anything against anyone, forgive.

Your Life in Action:

Is there anyone you need to forgive? Understand that refusing to forgive brings division not only between you and that person, but also between you and God.
 

Devotions from: Life in Action-365- Day Devotional from Life Action Ministries