Prayer and Behavior
“Prayer must be united with quiet and godly behavior…anger and controversy make prayer difficult. That is why Jesus said that we should interrupt our prayers, if necessary, to make peace with others (Matthew 5:23-24).” (Orthodox Study Bible, 1 Timothy 2:8,Life Application Study Bible, 1 Timothy 2:18)
“If you are smug, blaming others for your problems rather than taking responsibility for what you have done wrong, you will not be seeking God with all your heart. Prayer both requires and empowers the abandonment of self-justification, blame shifting, self-pity, and spiritual pride.” (Pastor Timothy Keller)