The Godly Gazette (Hinderances to Prayer)

Hinderances to Prayer

James 1:6 - But when he askes, he must believe and not doubt. NIV

Unbelief and doubt are possibly the greatest hinderances to prayer. We must believe that God loves us, hears us, and answers our prayers. We must be completely convinced that His way is best, and have confidence that He will align our desires with His purpose.

God tells us not to conform to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2). Yet many of us still live by the practical beliefs, and unbeliefs the world. We need to: "Ask in faith, doubt not; for he that doubteth... that man will not receive anything from the Lord" (James 1:6-8).

James 4:3 - When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. NIV

Another hinderance to prayer is "ourselves," which is a root of many kinds of sin. We are prone to be selfish, even in our "good works", and we hesitate to give up anything that our "self" craves. Pride, jealousy, and selfish ambition will hinder our prayers and destroy our prayer life. We need to be humble and lay aside our selfishness if we are to be effective in our prayers.

Philippians 2:3 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself. NIV

A loving spirit is an essential condition to unhindered prayer. You can not be right with God if you are wrong towards man. In essence, the spirit of prayer is the spirit of love.

We are commanded by God throughout His Word to "love our neighbors." Can we truly be children of God and expect Him to hear our prayers if we do not obey this command? Our Lord says; "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of God" (Matthew 5:44).

Matthew 11:25 - And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. NIV

Unforgiveness, roots of bitterness, unkind feelings toward others, and sin, will hinder God from helping us in the way He desires. We must resolve to make peace and harmony with others and ourselves, or our prayers are just wasted breath.

There will be no profit in prayer if we harbor unlove in our hearts. God tells us in His Word that knowledge, wisdom, faith, liberality, and even sacrifice, will profit a man nothing, unless his heart is filled with love (1 Corinthians 13).

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. NIV

Rejoice: Pray: Give Thanks: That is the order according to the will of God. It is very pleasing to God when we give thanks and praise. If we don't, our prayers will be hindered. We must stand before Him with praise and thanksgiving, giving blessing and glory to His name.

Another great hinderance to prayer is the devil. He does not want us to pray, and will do anything to distract and obstruct us. He would rather have us do anything else but pray, because he knows that we can accomplish more through prayer than through our works.

In Summary: There are many hinderances to effective prayer which can be summed up as: Not understanding or knowing the teaching of God's Word and/or an unwillingness to yield ourselves fully to Him.

Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV

Poem - The Power of Prayer

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