The Sin That Separates

Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened,
That it cannot save;
Nor His ear heavy,
That it cannot hear.
But your iniquities have separated you from your God;
And your sins have hidden His face from you,
So that He will not hear.

—Isaiah 59:1-2 (NKJV)

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

—Psalm 51:10-11 (NKJV)

Holy LORD,

Expose my sin and reveal my iniquities to me—that there would be nothing to hinder my prayers from finding Your ear, nothing to separate me from fellowship with my God.

There is nothing too hard for You, LORD, for You hold all power and authority in Your hand—and You know everything I need and everything I might ask for, even before my prayer crosses over my lips

When it seems that my prayers are going nowhere and I am far from Your presence when I pray, remind me to examine my heart for any sin that might be hidden there that has caused Your face to be turned away from me.

Create in me a clean heart and make my spirit steadfast—in harmony with Your own Spirit.  Don’t allow me to harbor sin, but fill me to overflowing with Your Spirit—so there is no room for darkness within me.

Expose my sin and reveal my iniquities to me—that there would be nothing to hinder my prayers from finding Your ear, nothing to separate me from fellowship with my God.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.