“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:24,25)
We cannot be right with God when we’re wrong with men. If we have enemies, let it be them who are for war, while we are for peace. If we are hated, let it be without cause. If we are to see God, we must follow peace with all men. (Heb. 12:14) And if we are to stand in His holy presence today, and expect Him to hear us, we must have mercy in our heart toward all who wronged us. Jesus has given us clear instruction: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matt. 5:44)
There are conditions for answered prayer. A heart of mercy seeks reconciliation. It does not retain anger and bitterness toward a brother. It leaves one’s gift at the altar in order to do all it can to make peace. (Matt. 5:23,24) Now, God is ready to receive the gift. Now, prayers will be heard.
God has called us into the deepest fellowship with Him. He is a holy God, and He calls us to be holy. He is also a merciful God, and He calls us to be merciful. Faith cannot move mountains, when an unmerciful heart is in the way.