Two or three years ago a lady, we’ll call Sarah, related to me a testimony of praying for her sister and brother-in-law. Although generally nice people, “they were very anti-Christian, and were my husband’s and my greatest persecutors spiritually, mocking and making fun of us.”

Sarah had been praying for them for 20 years, but they had shown no interest in the gospel. “Because of their attitude toward God and the gospel,” Sarah admits, “I had developed a hard heart toward them. I was religiously proud against them and praying out of a wrong motive.”

After listening to me teach on intercession, Sarah’s hope was renewed and the Holy Spirit prompted her with the question, When are you going to do this for your family? She repented of her attitude, got her heart right and forgave them for their attitude toward God. Then she began to pray as I had instructed.

Sarah’s need to repent personally and change her own attitude is a valuable lesson for us. Attitudes in our own hearts often keep God from being able to answer our prayers. Isn’t it ironic and tragic that our own sin might hinder our prayers for another sinner? Jesus said, “First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matt. 7:5). You may need to forgive your spouse, child or loved one before God can use you to deliver him or her.

Sarah prayed several things and remembers praying specifically “for the veil to be lifted off of their eyes so they can see and understand the truth of the gospel.” Also, she prayed “that they would come to Christ together so one would not persecute the other.”

A couple of months later-remember, before applying these principles and dealing with her own heart she had prayed for 20 years-Sarah called to speak with her sister. She heard this amazing report: Earlier that day her brother-in-law had awakened and felt they should go to church. (They never went to church.) So they found a small church and during the altar call, both of them gave their lives to Christ. She then apologized to Sarah for the way they had treated her-their attitudes totally changed. They are still walking with the Lord. About nine months later, Sarah’s father also came to the Lord.

This will work for you, too!

Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets, p.165-166. 1996, Gospel Light/Regal Books, Ventura, CA 93003. Used by Permission.