The Lord has given to us instructions we need to live a fruitful life. Far too often, we deviate from God’s way and do things on our own. We cannot even pray and expect God to answer when we do not do the things He has called us to do. Our hearts must be in tune with God when we pray. We cannot expect Him to hear and answer our prayer when we carry envy and strife in our hearts. We call on God to help us and forgive us when we are not willing to help and forgive others. The scripture lesson for this devotion speaks of how God has called us to pray. It is found in Mark 11:25.

“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

Jesus is speaking to His disciples telling them to have faith in God. He wants them to know that when they say to the mountain “move”, the mountain will move. If you pray for anything, believe in your heart that you will receive it.  When you begin praying, first forgive someone. Underline that words first forgive someone. That way, your Father in Heaven will forgive you. I do not know why it is so hard for people not to forgive. We want God to bless us when we are not willing to bless others with forgiveness. Prayerfully, this is a teaching moment for you. Before you do anything, do it God’s way. It is the only way our lives can be enhanced. Thanks be unto God for forgiving me and I must be able to forgive others.