CHRISTIAN LIFE & GROWTH  



Hindrances to Prayer


By Dr. Ron Tardif (D.Div. C.C.)



Prayer is not sending wishes into the air, hoping they come true. But it's also not demanding that God act in the way we ask. The way God answers prayer may seem random, but the Bible has some very specific things to say about hindrances to an effective prayer life.

Are you a child of God?
Are you a Christian. A born again Christian? If not or if you're not sure, click on this link and let's get that resolved first and foremost.

Do you have unconfessed sin in your life?
If so, your heart is filthy, and it is impossible for you to approach God. Actually, that's a good thing as sin and God cannot exist in the same sphere. ALWAYS confess your sins before approaching the throne of God.
If I had harbored sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. Psalm 66:18

"No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Jeremiah 31:34
Do you have doubt?
Do you doubt that your prayers will be heard and or do you think the Lord will not do what you are asking?
But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:6-8
Are you holding back forgiveness of others?
God treats us with the grace and forgiveness we show to others. That's why Jesus said:
For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions. Matthew 6:14
Who is first in your life?
Who or what do you most value — yourself, or your spouse/best friend? Children? Your job or hobby or home? How important is money to you? Friends? GOD wants to be — and must be — first.
Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their requests? Ezekiel 14:3
Are you asking for something, in accordance with God's will?
Are you asking for luxuries for yourself? If it is important to you, is it important to God? How do you know if it is important to God? Read His word. Stay close, very close, to Him and you will know His desires. Ask in His name, according to His desires, and it will be done for you.
"Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread...'" Matthew 6:9-13

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7
So, there you have it. A few things to think about. Oh, and of course, when you pray, pray specifically. That way, when/if He chooses to answer your specific prayer request, you will know that you have touched the ear of God. You'll know my friend when it happens. You'll know.


Image Credit: niekverlaan; untitled; Creative Commons


Tags:  Biblical-Truth  | Christian-Life


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Published on 4-25-16