*🕊 DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 13* *📅 DATE: 13TH JANUARY, 2026* *TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS: THE GATEWAY TO EFFECTIVE PRAYER* *ANCHOR SCRIPTURE: PSALM 66:18 NKJV* *“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”* *Devotional Message* One of the major hindrances to answered prayers is not that believers do not know how to pray, but rather their lifestyle. Many appear righteous in public, yet God—who dwells in the secret place—sees a different life altogether. Secret sin has cost many in their journey of salvation because they are unwilling to acknowledge it before God and seek His help for deliverance. The psalmist clearly states that when iniquity is cherished in the heart, the Lord will not hear. This shows us that sin creates a barrier between God and man. In the Gospel, the man whom Jesus healed of blindness boldly declared, “I was blind, now I see.” When the Pharisees accused Jesus of performing miracles by the power of Beelzebul, the healed man responded with wisdom, saying that God does not listen to sinners. His testimony pointed to the truth that divine intervention flows from righteousness. Prophet Isaiah further affirms this by declaring that the hand of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too heavy to hear, but our iniquities separate us from God and hide His face from us. This reveals that unanswered prayers are not due to God’s inability, but man’s condition. Our God is holy and cannot behold iniquity; therefore, if our prayers must be heard, righteousness is non-negotiable. Apostle James confirms this truth by stating that “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” This means that for prayers to be effective and powerful, they must proceed from a life aligned with God’s holiness. Righteousness bridges the gap between God and man and restores intimacy, making prayer fruitful and impactful. *Prayer* Father, search my heart and reveal anything that separates me from You. I repent of every secret sin and ask for grace to live a righteous and holy life. Cleanse me and restore my intimacy with You so that my prayers may be effective. In Jesus’ name, Amen. *Daily Bible Reading* Psalm 66:16–20,Isaiah 59:1–2,James 5:16 *THEME:* YEAR OF VICTORY (2 SAMUEL 8:6b;14b) *Author:* Alfred Wabuko Manyasi *Contact:* *Email :* Alfredwabuko1966[gmail].com *Facebook :* Alfred Wabuko Manyasi *WhatsApp Group:* https://chat.whatsapp.com/BWBMkpXiVXAHMv2DkoGVqg *🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion,2026* *© Dominion Voices Ministry*