"If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." Matthew 5.23-34

God wants us to have right relationship with others (especially people close to us), not just with him.

"Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honour to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered." 1 Peter 3.7

If our prayers do not seem to get any answer from God, we need to inspect ourselves: Am I hindering the prayers myself? What do I need to change in my own life (thoughts, attitudes, behaviours) to unblock my prayers?

"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?

You hypocrite, 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." Matthew 7.3-5

Lord, please take the log out of my eye and help me understand and honour those around me. Amen.