This produces God-centered Christians, not self-centered ones. God knows we could use some of those, especially in America.
‘Sarah’ had been praying for [her sister and brother-in-law] for 20 years, but they had shown no interest in the gospel.
‘Because of their attitude toward God and the gospel,’ Sarah admits, ‘I had developed a hard heart toward them. I was religiously proud against them and praying out of a wrong motive.’
Sarah’s need to repent personally and change her own attitude is a valuable lesson for us.
Attitudes in our own hearts often keep God from being able to answer our prayers. Isn’t it ironic and tragic that our own sin might hinder our prayers for another sinner?
Jesus said, “First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matt. 7:5). You may need to forgive your spouse, child or loved one before God can use you to deliver him or her.
Sarah prayed several things and remembers praying specifically ‘ for the veil to be lifted off of their eyes so they can see and understand the truth of the gospel.’
Also, she prayed ‘that they would come to Christ together so one would not persecute the other.’
A couple of months later—remember.
Before applying these principles and dealing with her own heart she had prayed for 20 years—
Sarah called her brother-in-law had awakened and felt they should go to church.
(The never went to church.) So they found a small church and during the altar call, both of them gave their lives to Christ.
They then apologized to Sarah for the way they had treated her—their attitudes totally changed. They are still walking with the Lord. About nine months later, Sarah’s father also came to the Lord.
This will work for you, too!”
Prayer Note #72 - Birthing True Repentance, taken from Dutch Sheets’ book, Intercessory Prayer (164-166 )
The next Prayer Note on Sept. 18- Blinded by Pride: Prayer Note #73
Tomorrow’s post: Treasure Book Cathy Baker
Today’s treasure truth
#14: If you are “born again”, you
Our thought for today: If you can't change a situation, look to Christ for help.
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