In our first appointment as young Lieutenants, we had our first-ever telephone installed. While it was wonderful to communicate with our family and friends, we had difficulty hearing because of a continuous irritating static. After several calls to the company a technician came and discovered the problem. During the installation a small nail was accidentally driven through the telephone wire. Although the nail was tiny, it was enough to disrupt communication to and from the house.
Listen, harboring sin (big or small) disrupts our prayer. Habitual sinning often results in a neglect of prayer. To truly connect with God our hearts must continually be kept free and pure. If we sin it needs to be confessed immediately and because of God’s grace and mercy, He immediately forgives and cleanses us… (see 1 John 1:9).
If we live with unconfessed sin, there is a gradual weakening in our walk with Jesus, our prayer-life is robbed of its effectiveness, and as far as relationships are concerned, as Bonhoeffer said, “…there is no sin in thought, word, or deed, no matter how personal or secret, that does not inflict injury upon the whole fellowship.”
In some cases a family may be crushed, the Corps disappointed and disillusioned, and unsaved people confused. If we play with sin we are bound to get hurt, and more often than not others are hurt as well.
We cannot continue sinning and genuinely pray at the same time. Richard Foster says, “The pure and the impure can never be united.” David knew this when he declared, “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? “Who may stand in his 18 holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart…” (Psalm 24:3, 4).
Jesus stated the same truth: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). Paul urged his young friend Timothy, “…pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22 – New Living Translation).
Some years ago, this prayer was penned:
If on my soul a trace of sin remaineth,
If on my hands a stain may yet be seen;
If one dark thought a wearied mind retaineth,
O wash me, Lord, till every part be clean.
James wrote, “The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with” (5:16).
Who can measure the impact of a prayer that pours forth from a heart that is pure?
Reflection:
1. Am I harboring any sin that needs to be confessed?
2. Do I look forward to spending time alone with God?
