Forgive: Wipe the Slate CleanSample

Have you ever prayed about something and felt the answer was delayed or didn’t come? Sometimes, we're quick to think it’s a matter of timing or maybe we didn’t ask the right way. But often, there’s something deeper at play. Holding on to unforgiveness can block your prayers from being fully effective.

It’s like trying to drive with the emergency brake on, you may be moving forward, but you’re also dragging weight that slows you down. When you harbor bitterness, grudges, or resentment, it creates a wall between you and the fullness of what God wants to release into your life.

Think about the times you’ve been hurt or wronged. It’s natural to want justice, or the very least, an apology. But waiting for those things can keep you trapped, replaying old wounds in your mind. And while you're stuck in that cycle, your heart isn't fully open to receiving the peace and clarity that comes through prayer.

Forgiving doesn’t mean what happened was okay, but it does release the power it has over you. It frees your heart to be in a posture where your prayers are unhindered. Let go of the weight, not for the person who hurt you, but for the freedom waiting on the other side, freedom in your relationship with God, and the flow of His blessings into your life.

When you choose forgiveness, even in the most difficult situations, you unlock something powerful. Suddenly, prayers don’t feel stuck, and the peace of trusting God’s plan becomes more tangible. It’s not always easy, but it's necessary if you desire to keep moving forward in faith without anything holding you back.

Think it Over

How might holding on to unforgiveness impact your ability to pray with an open heart and receive the answers you are seeking God for?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that holding on to unforgiveness weighs heavy on my heart and can stand in the way of my prayers. Please help me to release the bitterness and pain I’ve been holding onto. Give me the strength to forgive, even when it’s hard, and open my heart to fully trust You. I ask that You free me from anything hindering my relationship with You. In Jesus name, Amen.