Prayer Follows Forgiveness

ALL – Psalm 46:1-11
ALL – Proverbs 10:23
OT – Leviticus 27:14 – Numbers 1:1-54
NT – Mark 11:1-26

But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive you your sins, too. – Mark 11:25, The Living Bible

Sometimes easier said than done. We’re such foolish people. Why would we rather hold on to a grudge against another human than keep an open relationship with the Living God?

So prayer follows forgiveness. In two ways.

1. Prayer follows us forgiving others. It’s pretty much pointless until then (see the parable of the unmerciful servant).
2. Prayer follows God forgiving us. Again, it’s pretty much pointless until then. Can you imagine trying to get an offended God to listen to our prayers?

The wonderful thing is that God has graciously provided for us to be forgiven; He wants to hear our prayers. Jesus Christ died on the cross so that God could forgive us and hear our prayers. Again, see the parable of the unmerciful servant. After God provides such a vast forgiveness for us, how can we not forgive others? If we remain unforgiving, then it becomes clear to God that we haven’t really accepted the new nature and relationship He’s offering us.

Forgive. Because God forgives. And then pray. And God will do what you ask.

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