PRAYER AND FORGIVENESS
by Pastor Richard Tow
January 31, 2016
Text: Mark 11:25
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Description: In Mark 11:25 Jesus makes a powerful link between our forgiveness of others and our effectiveness in prayer. “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” The context of this link is explained. The qualities of this forgiveness are explored. Then Pastor Richard discusses four keys to getting relationships healthy so that our prayers are effectual.
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OUTLINE
Prayer and Forgiveness
(Series entitled “Praying Effectively”)
Intro
1. Previous messages from Mark 11:22-24
2. Text today: Mark 11:25 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive,
neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
I. Notice the Connection between answered prayer and forgiving others.
1. Is Indirect connection: unforgiveness blocks our own forgiveness which we must have in order to pray in faith
effectively.
2. Is Surprising the emphasis Jesus puts on forgiving others.
> Lord’s prayer (Matt. 6:9-13)
> Added attention Matt. 6:14-15, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
3. Is there a chance your prayers are hindered because not fully forgiven someone?
II. How do I know that I’m forgiving others in the way Jesus is talking about?
1. Col. 3:12-13 answers the question.
“Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you” (The Message).
2. If there is anything in me that secretly wishes the other person would fail, then I have not completely forgiven the
offense.
3. Abraham exemplifies forgiveness in his relationship with Lot.
4. Jesus’ command to bless our enemies is a kingdom principle we are to operate in.
III. Messed up relationships, mess up our prayers.
1. 1 Peter 3:5-7 “For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. 7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your
prayers may not be hindered.”
2. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Am I responding to my offender the way I would want someone to respond to me if I were in his shoes?
3. Cain’s attitude toward his brother was a big factor in the failure of his prayers.
4. Jesus put priority on right relationships again in Matthew 5:23-24.
IV. How do I get my relationships right so that my prayers are effective? Four keys:
1. You cannot control what the other person does: focus on your own choices.
2. Forgiveness is a decision of the will. Don’t let feelings change your mind.
3. Know the difference between forgiveness and trust.
4. Leave the issue of justice in God’s hands.
Conclusion: Lining up with kingdom principle of forgiveness is essential to effective praying.
