Often, our prayers go unanswered because we ask with wrong motives, seeking to satisfy our own desires. This is clearly explained in James 4:3 of the New International Version: "And when you ask, you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."
A fundamental reason we do not receive what we ask for or desire in prayer is the lack of forgiveness. The Bible is very clear in many passages about the need to repent and forgive. But how many of our petitions or pleas are stalled due to this situation?
John the Baptist said: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” But what should we repent of? Often, those of us who consider ourselves Christians, and who with the best intentions continue congregating, serving, and participating in small groups, continue to do things our way and with our own strength.
Recently, I experienced this firsthand. I had a terrible relationship with one of my brothers; I had not spoken to him for almost three years because I had not forgiven him. However, I never missed church and continued serving in other areas. I am convinced that many of my prayers and petitions were not answered due to this lack of forgiveness. It is not that God did not want to bless me, but I was the main obstacle. I confess that, by forgiving my brother and restoring our relationship, I felt a great weight lifted off my shoulders. This itself is a blessing.
Our Father knows what we need, and nothing escapes Him. Rather, we should reconcile with Him and recognize that we are not fulfilling our part of the covenant. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever; in Him, there is no shadow of variation. He told us: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Examine whom you need to forgive or what you need to repent of. These are two precious keys to open the floodgates of heaven.
Written by Wilmer López, based on the sermon of May 25, 2024
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