"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners."
James 4:8
His mother always said the same thing to Johnny at meal time, "Wash your hands. It's time to eat." Well, Johnny is now called John. He's a grown man, but he still washes his hands before eating. His mother taught him a good lesson in personal hygiene. We all know that it's a wise thing to do. In Bible days, the priests of the temple always washed their hands ceremonially before ministering at the altar. It recognized the need to be cleansed from sin to serve a holy God. The hands were symbolic of a person's life.
As we approach God in prayer, Jesus taught us to confess our sins, by saying, "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us." The Lord's Prayer is a daily prayer for believers. As we cleanse our lives before God, we are made ready for effective prayer.
Most of us readily admit our shortcomings, but that is no reason to withdraw from prayer. God has made provision to cleanse us of all sin at the cross of Christ. We confess that we have sinned, and we are willing to forgive those who have sinned against us. We must remember that sin is the only barrier to an effective prayer life with God. Also, quickly remember, that He has already made a way for us to be cleansed.
How is your prayer life? It's easy to get discouraged and neglect our time of talking with God. Someone may say, "But, I don't know what to say in prayer." The words will be provided. Jesus gave us the model prayer, also known as the Lord's Prayer. Apply the words of that prayer to your concerns and needs. God will hear your prayers. Wash your hands. It's time to pray.
God, cleanse us from all sin through Jesus Christ.
