I read the below yesterday, and it really made me think about why some people's--including my own--prayers may not be answered. If we are not treating others with the respect, love and kindness that we are supposed to, our prayers will be hindered.
But do not get me wrong... Even though we may be treating others with respect, love and kindness does not always mean that every single prayer we pray will be answered--this is because our prayers might not always be in alignment with God's will for our lives. However, if we are treating others as we should, we can expect that our prayers will be unhindered.
"Unhindered Prayers
“...Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered”(1 Peter 3:7, NLT)
Did you know that the way you treat people has an impact on the effectiveness of your prayers? The Bible says that the prayer of the righteous person is powerful, but if we aren’t treating others with honor, kindness and respect, then we aren’t allowing His righteousness to operate in us. When we don’t treat others the way we should, it closes the door to God’s power and hinders our prayers.
This is especially true in a marriage relationship. Marriage isn’t just an agreement between two people to live life together. Marriage is a God-ordained institution that helps us understand love and unity. When two people are married, they become one physically, spiritually and emotionally. This particular passage is directed toward husbands, but it applies to all believers as well. We should always treat others “with understanding,” which means considering their needs above our own. We should always aim to treat others with kindness, dignity, and respect and quickly choose forgiveness.
Today, choose love. Choose to treat others with respect. Let righteousness flow through you and open the door for His power in every area of your life!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for another day to worship You and become more like You. I submit my heart, mind, will and emotions to You. I choose to treat others with love and respect which shows that I honor You. Have Your way in me and teach me to prayer effectively for Your glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen."
