Repentance

\\ Prayer and Forgiveness

We cannot come to God in honest prayer when we have not forgiven one

another transgressions: A young boy saw a pack of cigarettes on the ground

and decided to try them. He went to a field near his home and, after

several fumbling attempts, got one to light up. It didn't taste good;

indeed, it burned his throat and made him cough. But it made him feel very

grown up.

Then he saw his father coming. Quickly he put the cigarette behind his

back and tried to be casual. Desperate to divert his father's attention.

The young Boy pointed to a nearby billboard advertising the circus. "Can

we go, Dad? Please, let's go when it comes to town."

The father quietly but firmly replied, "Son, never make a petition while

at the same time trying to hide a smoldering disobedience."

Unknown

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