'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — November 12

Sin is an hindrance to prayer. When dust clogs the wheels of a watch, it cannot strike true. When the sin of the petitioner is before God's eyes, his petitions cannot enter his ears. Sin shouts louder than our prayers. The smallest sin, loved and liked, will hinder the course of prayer. 'Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God' (Isa. 59:1, 2). Put away iniquity far from you when you are drawing near to the throne of grace. Prayer is a bandage to heal a man that is wounded. If a man is wounded by an arrow or bullet, it must be taken out of the body first, before the bandage may be applied. Prayer will not prevail until the love of sin is taken out of the soul. Anger and worldly thoughts are also an hindrance to prayer. Wrath and anger like leaven sours the sacrifice. He that begs peace at God's hands must not do it with war in his own heart. Do you think God will forgive you many millions, when you will not forgive your brother one mite? The heathen can love a friend, but the Christian must love his enemy. We must forgive those that have wronged us. Surely, if men considered the infinite affronts they do to the glorious God every day, they would be willing to pardon others. Would you offer to God the gall of malice, revenge, wrath, and bitterness with the sacrifice of your prayers? Worldly thoughts must also be laid aside. When our petitions to God are infested with worldly thoughts, they lose their sweetness. Truly sometimes a poor Christian loses half a prayer by mingling it with worldly thoughts. Resolve before you pray to watch your heart carefully, so these may not hinder your prayers.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
George Swinnock, Works, 1:117-120
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