Are you merciful?

Are your prayers being answered? Beside the biblical mandate to pray with "clean hands and a pure heart" (Psalm 24:3-5), another hindrance to answered prayer is a neglect of mercy. So, who in your life needs some mercy?

• Is it your untidy neighbor?
• Is it your teenager who is drowning in a sea of teen angst?
• Is it your father who never learned to apologize?
• Is it your overworked spouse?
• Is it your forever unkind sibling?

Remember, the definition of mercy is NOT getting what you deserve. And since Jesus doesn't treat us as we deserve, we need to demonstrate that same attitude toward others.

You stay "clean and surrendered" before God while simultaneously showing mercy to those in your life who need it (not deserve it), you just sit back and watch your prayers get answered. But don't forget: Answered prayer is not necessarily the answer we want. But it's always the answer that's best for us.