Understanding the Connection Between Our Hearts and Prayer
Have you ever wondered why sometimes it feels like your prayers just aren’t getting through? Psalm 66:18 says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.” But what does that actually mean for us in everyday life?
Breaking It Down in Plain Language
· “If I regard iniquity in my heart…”
· This phrase is talking about someone who knows they are doing something wrong—something that goes against what’s right or what God wants—but instead of admitting it and trying to change, they hold onto it. It’s not about making a mistake by accident. It’s about knowingly choosing to keep doing wrong or refusing to let it go. Think of it like having a hidden corner in your heart where you store a bad habit or attitude you have no intention of giving up.
· “…the Lord will not hear.”
· This doesn’t mean God can’t physically hear you. It means He won’t answer or respond to prayers when you’re holding onto unconfessed or unrepented sin. God wants an honest relationship with us, and that can’t happen if we’re hiding or protecting wrong actions, attitudes, or intentions and refusing to deal with them.
What’s the Difference Between “Iniquity” and “Sin”?
While both words point to wrongdoing, “iniquity” usually goes deeper. It’s not just about slipping up or making a mistake; it’s about a stubborn, willful attitude of going against what’s right—a hardened heart that doesn’t want to change.
Why Does This Matter for Prayer?
The verse teaches us that if we want our prayers to be effective, we need to be honest about what’s going on inside us. If you’re clinging to something you know is wrong—whether it’s a secret grudge, jealousy, dishonesty, or anything else—and you refuse to let it go, that gets in the way of your connection with God. He wants us to come to Him with open hands, ready to admit our faults and turn away from them (that’s called repentance).
Some Everyday Examples
· If you know you’re treating someone unfairly but refuse to change, it creates a barrier between you and God.
· If you keep making excuses for a habit you know is harmful, instead of asking for forgiveness and help to change, it affects how God responds to your prayers.
· Even on a bigger scale, if a community or nation is holding onto injustice or refusing to make things right, their prayers for help or blessing may go unheard until they address those wrongs.
It’s Not About Being Perfect
Everyone makes mistakes. This verse isn’t saying you have to be flawless or sinless for God to listen to you. The key is your attitude: Are you willing to admit your wrongs and ask for help to change? Or do you stubbornly hold onto them, making excuses or pretending they’re not there?
What Should We Do?
When you come to God in prayer, take a moment to honestly look at your heart. Is there something you’re holding onto that you shouldn’t be? If so, admit it to God—He already knows anyway! Ask for forgiveness and the strength to turn away from it. That’s how you clear the lines of communication and make your prayers truly powerful.
Bottom Line
Prayer is about an open and honest relationship with God. Psalm 66:18 reminds us that holding onto unconfessed sin gets in the way. But when we let go and come to God with a sincere heart, He’s always ready to listen.
Minister A Francine Green
July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 