Scripture –
Psalm 66:18-20– If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me!
Observation –
There is recognition by the psalmist that God does not listen to prayers offered from a sinful or immoral heart. However God does hear and pay attention to the prayer of someone submitted humbly to the grace of a loving God. God is deserving of praise for his steadfast love of his children!
Application –
As I read, pray this psalm I realize I must be humbly positioned before God not having any sin in my heart when I seek God in prayer. God’s grace in sending Jesus provides my access to a Holy God and covers all my sin. I should approach God not as perfect but redeemed and in love for how he has loved me unconditionally. In an ever changing increasingly secular world, God’s love is faithful, unchanging and deserving of praise.
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for the truth in your word and your steadfast love! Let me be truly repentant and loving in my prayers for hearts, minds to be changed to do your will and glorify you.