Title: Forgiveness and Prayer

Scripture Reading: Mark 11:25-26
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

Main idea: An unforgiving spirit in a believer breaks fellowship with the Father in heaven and hinders the flow of blessing.

Requirement in Prayer
Our prayers must be in Jesus’ name (John 14:13) and “according to his will” (1 John 5:14), and not with a divided heart (James 4:3-5). Jesus himself is our example in prayer that is always answered because of his total surrender to the Father’s will (John 8:29; 11:42). Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will” (Mark 14:36). Jesus prayed with God’s interests in mind. When we pray, we should express our desires, but we should want his will above ours.

“Whenever you stand praying”
The people of Bible times to stand praying was not at all unusual. Standing was the primary traditional posture of prayer for Jews (Gen 18:22; 1 Kings 8:22; Neh 9:4; Ps 134:1; Matt 6:5). But it is by no means the only prayer posture mentioned in Scripture. There is also kneeling, and there are other postures (Acts 7:60). Not the posture of the body but the attitude of heart and mind is what matters most of all. Jesus mentions a condition for effective prayer, the same recorded in Matthew after the Lord’s prayer (Matt 6:14). The basis for our confidence in God in prayer is that he is our loving Father, who cares for all our needs and listens to us as to his own beloved children. But unforgiveness is an obstacle that blocks us both from receiving God’s forgiveness and from drawing near to him in prayer.

“if you have anything against anyone”
Though it is probably correct to believe that Jesus was thinking first of all of the believers (Matt 18:15–17). But in Matthew 6:14—“forgive men their trespasses”—indicates that forgiveness must be extended also to “outsiders.” Did not Jesus do the same? (Luke 23:34). And Stephen? (Acts 7:60). Jesus’ point is that God forgives the penitent. That is, if we understand how precious it is to be forgiven, if we know how much it cost God to forgive, then we will forgive others. The forgiven have motives to forgive.

“Only one petition in the Lord’s Prayer has any condition attached to it. It is the petition for forgiveness.” -Sir William Temple (1628–1699)

The necessity of forgiving others
We are told in Mark 11:24, that faith is essential to the success of our prayers. But then it is added, no prayers can be heard which do not come from a forgiving heart. Our prayers must be earnest, fervent and sincere. They must come from a forgiving heart. We have no right to look for mercy if we are not ready to extend mercy to our brothers and sisters. Why the necessity of forgiving others? Because a person who will not forgive cannot be entrusted with that kind of power. He’ll misappropriate it. She’ll hurt herself and others with it.

Why would forgiving others matter?
Because all are sinners before God. Those who have access to him have it only because of his mercy in forgiving their sins. Believers should not come to God in prayer asking for forgiveness or making requests, all the while refusing to forgive others. To do so would be to reveal that they have no appreciation for the mercy in forgiveness they have received. God will not listen to a person with such an attitude. God wants those who are forgiven to forgive others. John says this clearly. “this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14-15). God’s will is a prerequisite of the prayer of faith. We know that God’s will is for us to forgive as we have been forgiven. If we cannot forgive, then we are not praying in God’s will.

Application
These words on forgiveness and prayer present a challenge to every believer. If we hold a harsh, vindictive attitude toward others, we cannot expect God to hear and answer us. We must forgive if we are to be forgiven. Let us determine by God’s grace to forgive, even as we hope to be forgiven. This is the nearest approach we can make to the mind of Christ Jesus. This is the character which is most suitable to a sinful child of Adam. God’s free forgiveness of sins is our greatest privilege in this world. God’s free forgiveness will be our only hope to eternal life in the world to come. Then let us be forgiving during the few years that we are here upon this planet earth. Can you forgive those who have wronged you. A believer praying while bearing a grudge is like a tree sprouting leaves and bearing no fruit (Mark 11:13). For our churches to have prayer power, there must be oneness and forgiveness evident in the body of believers.

Let’s pray together
Heavenly Father, thank you for Your word. “forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.” Help us Lord to live by Your word. In Jesus Name Amen.