January 15: David on Preventing Unheard Prayers

So far this year:

• We’ve set reminders to pray throughout the day to break up our routine so we can remember our LORD!
• We’ve looked at the shortest prayers in the Bible
• We’ve set up a mnemonic to help organize our prayer requests

Now – let’s make sure we have a clear path to God! As the old song goes, there should be nothing between my soul and the Savior!

How can we make sure there’s nothing between? Let’s repent of sin that we’re keeping in our heart.

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

Psalm 66:18

Has God pointed out some sin in your life? How can you deal with it? David’s Psalm 51 points out three key truths:

Admittance – God already knows about it. God knew Adam sinned, He just wanted to let Adam respond. (Genesis 3:8-13). Don’t blame others – just admit what you did.

For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

Psalm 51:3

Brokenness – You didn’t make a mistake. You didn’t offend your neighbor. You sinned against God. You disobeyed the King of the Universe. Too often we try to minimize our sin and maximize ourselves. But God wants us to be broken.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Psalm 51:17

Cleansing – We got into the mess, but we need someone to get us out of the mess. Ask God to cleanse you from your sins. Ask Him to redirect your thoughts!

Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalm 51:2

Take some time to repent of whatever sin God is bringing to your mind.