Matthew 5:23-24. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
Jesus taught that there are three things we must do before we pray. First, we must reconcile with others. Division within families, churches, and even nations is a key strategy of Satan. When family members are not living in harmony, this can lead to failure in every area of life.
Unity is possible only in Christ. When we make an effort to see one another through the lens of the gospel, we can understand and accept our differences. We begin to see the root cause of many problems dissolve. Scripture gives us a clear example in the relationship between husbands and wives: “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers” (1 Peter 3:7).
How we treat others has a direct impact on our prayers. When we begin to understand the spiritual struggles hidden in each person, the blessings of God will begin to unfold. In Today’s Word, Jesus emphasized that if church members do not make peace with one another, even their worship and offerings lose meaning.
Paul affirmed Jesus’ words when he wrote to the church in Ephesus: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope… one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:2–6). A church united like this cannot be overcome by Satan.
Jesus also urged us to place God first. He said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). He taught us to keep our priorities in order. If we pray out of greed or selfish desires, we will miss God’s greater plan for us (Luke 9:23–25).
This is why Jesus commanded us to seek first His kingdom—the gospel, salvation, and the work of evangelism—so that Satan’s kingdom may fall wherever we go. And how do we do that? By proclaiming the righteousness of God, the message of the cross. Jesus calls us to pray for what God desires most: saving lives.
God already knows our weaknesses. What He wants to know is where our hearts truly lie—whether we are filled with godly sorrow or worldly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10). He wants us to care about what breaks His heart, and to make that the center of our prayers.
When our hearts and minds are set on things above, God will provide everything we need for the sake of the gospel. Open your eyes to the urgency of the mission. Go all-in on God’s kingdom and His righteousness.
Jesus also warned us not to judge others. He said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged… Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:1–5).
Before we pray, we must examine ourselves. Our words have power. Instead of judging others, we are called to speak words of grace, understanding, and forgiveness (Matthew 5:24).
We must stop trying to get even with those who hurt us. Instead, we should ask God to bless them. We do this because we, too, have been chosen to receive a blessing. Let us keep our words pure and avoid speaking anything that wounds or deceives (1 Peter 3:8–12).
It’s time to change the way we think and pray. Restore the prayer that Jesus taught us. This is the pathway to answered prayer.
Nothing can destroy you because you carry the life of Christ. Nothing can overcome you because you walk in His power.
Start praying like a true child of God. Start praying for what will last forever. And start experiencing the power of prayer that truly changes everything.
Prayer. Father, thank You for reminding me of what I must do before I pray. Help me to seek what matters most to You. Help me to go all-in on Your kingdom and Your righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.