Reading 69— The Forgiving Spirit in Prayer
Mark 11:25, 26
I do not think that there is anything that our Lord returns on so often as the forgiveness of injuries. And the reason of that may very well be because our lives are so full of injuries, both real and supposed, and both given and received. As also because the thoughts and the feelings, the words and the deeds, that injury awakens toward one another in our hearts, are so opposed to His mind and His spirit.… As long as those so wicked and detestable tempers hold possession of your hearts, your prayers and everything else will be an abomination before God.…
You would, as I think, find this to be helpful when you “stand praying,” and are as yet unable to forgive.… Say something like this. “What exactly, is it that I have against that man?” Put it in words.… And so stated, so looked at, that mortal offence turns out to be not half so bad as it has up to now felt to be.… Many of our insults and injuries are far more imaginary than real: though our sin and our misery on account of them are real enough. Look at the offender.… Let a little of the light of love and humility, and goodwill fall on him, and on yourself—and, already, your prayer is heard! You may go and finish your prayer now. Your trespasses are already as good as forgiven. (LTUP)
Hayford, J. W. 1997, c1993. Spirit Filled Life Daily Devotional Bible : New King James Version with 365 readings for the Spirit-Filled Christian (electronic ed.) . Thomas Nelson Publisher: Nashville