Bible Reading: Psalm 24, 1 John 4:1-7
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully” – Psalm 24:3-4(KJV)
Ascending into the hill of the Lord and standing in His holy place is appearing before God in prayers, and this requires the preparation of the heart. To approach unto God in the altar of prayer requires meeting some conditions to have your prayers answered. For us to appear before God’s holy place, consecration is required as a very important condition that is acceptable to God. When we appear before God in prayers, one of the factors that attracts answer to our prayer is the state of our heart. The Psalmist said: “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” – Psalm 66:18(KJV). Iniquity in our heart is a deterrent to answer to our prayers. Prophet Isaiah has this to say: “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness” – Isaiah 59:1-3(KJV). These are direct opposite of the qualities of a person who is required to appear before God in His holy place. As long as one remains in sin he cannot approach unto God at the prayer altar. For us to have access to God’s holy place we must be pure. We must appear before Him with godly fear rooted in our deep love for Him. If God must hear us, we must first hear Him (see Proverbs 1: 24-28). In order to hear God we must engage in the study of His word. Romans 10:17(KJV): ”So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
God demands holiness to approach His holy presence. A polluted and corrupted heart cannot access His holy presence and so cannot get connected to heaven’s hotline. Many Christians live in hidden sin not repented of, yet they complain they have prayed but their prayer was not answered. Sin is a barrier to prayers. Sins not repented of blocks your access to divine channel. God considers the state of your heart to answer your prayers. God does not relate with us by our outward appearance but by the state of our inner being. A pure heart cannot be seen by the physical eyes but it is clear to God.
However, if you are not born again you are a sinner and the scripture says, except a man is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). In as much as you are in sin there is a barrier between you and God. But God is ready to accept you and forgive your sin if you call on Him to save you. Ask Him to cleanse you with the blood of His son Jesus Christ and make you a child of God, and you will be saved. Once you are saved you are empowered by the death of Jesus to live above sin which consequently makes you a candidate for divine attention.
Prayer: Father endue me with the Spirit of the fear of the Lord, so I can offer you acceptable service and prevail in the altar of prayer.
Bro Joel Ezeugo