hinderances

When looking at the issue of unanswered prayer, there are several things that might hinder prayer life.

Think of it. The entire universe is precisely timed. The planets revolve around the sun at precise timing. The moons revolve around each planet at precise timing. Our seasons are timed. Life on earth operates in life cycles. Each species has its own genetic code. Surely, a Higher Authority of Supreme intelligence would have put this all together in a Creative act. That Creator is God Almighty, King of The Universe.

The Bible tells us that God has made Himself known to man by way of Creation.

Humankind is created by God in His own image. Inside all human beings is a "knowing" that God exists. He has created us to be in tune with Him. He wants us to communicate with Him and to share in fellowship with Him. He has given us choice to become "His children" through the acceptance of His Son, Jesus Christ.

By faith anyone and all can receive His Son, Jesus, as Savior. By faith , all are cleansed through the Blood of Christ. This makes it possible for us to approach the Throne of God in righteousness.

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Belief tells us there is a God Who is concerned. Belief tells us that the Bible is God's Word. Faith tells that God will act upon His Word as an unmovable truth, even though we may not see immediate results through our natural eyes.

Psalm 66:18, tells us "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:"

Sin in the life of a person always causes a communication problem, as does insincerity. Sin is described as anything that is contrary to God's Word. The Bible is our manual for living. God expects us to live by His Word. Verses in Isaiah and Micah equate to us the damage that sin causes in both our life and prayer life.

Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Mic 3:4 Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.

One major area of unconfessed sin is unforgiveness toward others. We must forgive others so God can forgive us. This is very reasonable when thought out. If Jesus Christ gave Himself on the cross so we could be forgiven, and if He was God's gift to us , then how can we be so prideful as not to put this into practice ourselves? If He can forgive us, then we surely can forgive others. (Matt. 5:23–24; 12, 14)

God loves us.

God gave us Jesus.

Jesus gave His life for us, so we could be forgiven.

We are to forgive others, as He forgave us.

Another area is family matters. In a marriage, partners are to respect one another. God sees the mistreatment and disrespect of partners as sin. He is the One Who instituted marriage, which is a Holy Covenant between a man and a woman. The Bible states that a man's mistreatment of his wife can hinder his prayers. It is found is 1Peter 3:7

"Married men, in the same way, live with your wives with a clear recognition of the fact that they are weaker than you. Yet, since you are heirs with them of God’s free gift of Life, treat them with honour; so that your prayers may not be hindered."

Of both the husband and wife, we see this in Ephesians 5:33: Yet I insist that among you also, each man is to love his own wife as much as he loves himself, and let a married woman see to it that she treats her husband with respect. (Wey translation)

True sincerity and repentance will cause a turn around. If we truly want to change behavior and follow what the Scriptures teach us, growth will result in our life. That growth always leads to maturity in the life of a believer.

Matthew 6:5-6, states this:" And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."

It is apparent in these verses of Scripture that this is an illustration of how self-pride can step in the way. Instead of trying to please others or impress them , we should concentrate and be more concerned with pleasing God. Our reward will be in the life to come. What matters is what God says. He is the One we serve.

God expects sincerity. He expects our heart to turn toward Him, in belief, confidence, and trust. He promises that if we ask, He will provide the wisdom we need to solve any problems in our life. He already knows the situation and He already has the answers , is we sincerly seek Him. (If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. -James 1:5) If we communicate with Him, He will communicate with us.

Are motives pure or are they selfish and self-indulgent? If our motives aren't pure before God, prayer can be short-circuited. James 4:3, tells us this: "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."

Are we living the life Christ commanded? How about helping those who are in need?
Pr 21:13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

Or do we listen to the counsel of the ungodly? The world will surely mislead the person who is trying to live a godly life. We must remember that Satan is the god of this world, and it is he who will mislead the child of God through counsel of unbelievers.

Our battle is in the spiritual realm, not with people (flesh and blood). So, good guidance must come through the Word of God. Remember, if we ask God, He will give us the wisdom we seek through godly resources.
Pr 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

In keeping all these things in mind, we can avoid problems of blocked communication with God and experience the rewards that come as a result when we lay it all on the altar before Him.

He's just waiting to hear from you. Remember, God loves you, no matter what you have done in your life.

HINDRANCES TO PRAYER