Topic: Sin And Unanswered Prayers [Open Heavens for Teens 13 August 2020]

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Memorise: Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Ephesians 3:20

BIBLE READING: Isaiah 59:1-8

1. Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
2. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid is face from you, that he will not hear.
3. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.
4. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.
5. They hatch cockatrice’ eggs, and weave the spider‘s web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper.
6. Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.
7. Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.
8. The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their going, they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.

BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 96-98; Romans 12:1-21

MESSAGE:

God does not make empty promises. His promises are Yes and Amen. In John 16:24, God says; ask until your joy is full. There is nothing you need that God cannot give, even if it does not exist, God can create it. So why then do prayers sometimes remain unanswered?. A very common hindrance to prayer is sin.

Sin can stop God from answering your prayers. So, when you go to God in prayer, you need to be sure that you do not have any sin in your heart. Psalms 66:18 says, if l regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. Dear child, you need to do away with sin so that your requests can be granted by God. For instance, you can’t have ill-feelings or hatred for the best student in your class, yet ask God to make you the best. You can’t be jealous of the children from wealthy homes in your school and yet ask God to bless your parents with wealth. Resolve to live a holy life from today and watch God answer your prayers.

Action Point:

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you deal with the sins that are hindering your prayers from being answered.

Hymn: What Can Wash Away My Stain

1. What can wash away my stain?
   Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
   What can make me whole
   again?
   Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Chorus:
Oh! Precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow!;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

2. For my cleansing this I see?
   Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
   For my pardon this my plea?
   Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
3. Nothing can for sin atone
   Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
   Naught of good that I have done
   Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
4. This is all my hope and peace
   Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
   This is all my righteousness
   Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries