“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins” Mark 11:25
You and I have a way by which we can be absolutely certain of God’s forgiveness.
It is two – fold.
First, we must be sure that we have forgiven anyone and everyone against whom we may have anything or hold any resentment.
Second, we must believe His Word unquestioningly – and His Word does indeed tell us we will be forgiven when we ask under these conditions.
Most familiar, of course, is the glorious promise of 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (KJV).
Though today’s verse uses the word stand in reference to praying, Scripture clearly states that the posture in prayer was sometimes standing. God, however, looks on the heart rather than on our position as we pray.
If the heart is right, any posture may be proper. All other things being equal, however, the kneeling position seems more in keeping with the proper attitude of humility in our approach to God. (Physical condition, of course, sometimes makes this inadvisable or impossible.)
Most important, we are to forgive before we pray. That much is certain.
Bible Reading: Matthew 6:9-15
Today’s Action Point: I will examine my heart throughout the day to be sure I have forgiven any who should be forgiven – before I pray.
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