What is it that might hinder our prayers that
connects us with the throne of God in heaven?
Many have been frustrated with their cell phone
because they don’t hear the other person talking
back to them, so they ask, “Can you hear me now?”
We wonder if our message is getting through and
sometimes we are cut off.
Our prayers can be like that at times.
Do we ever doubt that our message is getting through
or is cut off?
In this study, let us examine what the Bible says about
what hinders your prayers.
Our Prayers may be Hindered because of our Sins
“Your iniquities have made a separation between you
and your God, And your sins have hidden His face
from you so that He does not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).
God’s ears are open, but there is no connection in prayer
because it was hindered by their sins.
Little children can pray because they are humble,
innocent, and examples of what we should be.
(Matthew 18:3-4)
When we choose to give into temptation, our lust has
conceived which then gives birth to sin leading to
death (James 1:13).
Through the death of Jesus, we can be reconciled to
God in one body, and thus have communication with
the throne of grace (Eph. 2:11-22; 1 Pet. 3:12).
Our Prayers may be Hindered because of Selfishness
“You ask and do not receive because you ask with wrong
motives, so that you may spend it on your
pleasures” (James 4:3).
Some think that God is like Santa Claus and will give
them whatever they want (2 Tim. 3:1-5).
Jesus did not come to be please Himself, but to give his
life as a ransom for many as He prayed not My will
but Thine be done (Mt. 26:39; Rom. 15:3; Tit. 2:14).
As Christians, we have died to self and are to live for
Jesus daily (Titus 3:3; 2 Cor. 5:14-15; Luke 9:23).
If we are selfish and not willing to help the needy, God
will not answer us (Pr. 21:13; Ph. 2:3-4; 1 Jn. 3:17).
Our Prayers may be Hindered because of Failure
to Honor Your Spouse
A husband is to understand and show honor to his wife
as a fellow heir in the grace of life so that his
prayers won’t be hindered (1 Peter 3:7).
Certainly God is not going to hear the prayers of the
husband who beats, abuses, divorces, or commits
adultery against his wife (Mt. 5:32; 19:9).
If you don’t love, honor, and cherish your wife as you
have vowed, God will cut off your prayers!
In the same way, a wife is to submit respectfully to her
husband by having a meek and quiet spirit.
(1 Peter 3:1-6)
If you treat your spouse with contempt, God won’t hear!
Our prayers may be hindered because of uncorrected
wrongs with brethren
Jesus warns us that we should correct our wrongs with a
Christian before offering our worship to God
(Matthew 5:21-24).
If you realize you are guilty of offending them, it is your
responsibility to clear yourself of wrongdoing before
you petition God on your behalf or others.
There may be static on the line because you continue to
neglect to make it right.
Our prayers may be hindered because of greed
Do our prayers not get answered sometimes because we
are greedy? (James 4:1f)
Jesus taught that you cannot serve two masters
(Matthew 6:24)
Jesus warned us about its danger by telling the rich
landowner that he was going to lose his soul that
night because he was selfish (Luke 12:15-21)
The apostle Paul taught that it drowns men in
destruction
(1 Timothy 6:9)
Our prayers may be hindered because we are unmerciful
Do we show the same mercy to others that the Lord has
demonstrated toward us? (1 Timothy 1:16)
Jesus taught us to pray that God would forgive our
debts as we also forgive the ones who have sinned
against us and begged for mercy. (Matthew 6:14-15;
18:23-35)
If you don’t demonstrate mercy to others but instead
bear grudges, resentment, and bitterness, how can
you expect to receive mercy? (James 2:13)
There may be static on the line when you beg for mercy.
Our prayers may be hindered because of refusal to listen
to God’s word
How would you feel if your spouse talked to you, but
never listened? Yet, the same people expect that
God will hear and answer their prayers, but don’t
obey Him!
“He who turns away his ear from listening to the law,
Even his prayer is an abomination.” (Proverbs 28:9)
The law of the Lord should be our delight and
meditation everyday (Psalms 1:2).
God’s commands are given out of love and are not
burdensome
(1 John 5:3)
If there is static on the line, examine yourself if you are
really listening to His words of eternal life.
Clearing up the static so God will hear again
Instead of shaking the cell phone when I get static, I change my
position from where I was in order to communicate again.
CONFESS SIN- Spiritually, I must humble myself, and confess my
sins so that whatever obstacle was hindering my prayer will
be forgiven so that God will hear (1 John 1:6-10)
BE RECONCILED- Just because a prayer was not answered the
way you wanted, does not mean it was because you sinned.
Maybe it is because you have not cleared up your guilt with
your spouse or brethren. If so, be reconciled today!
BE RESTORED TO YOUR FIRST LOVE- Maybe you are saying and
doing what is right, but not out of love (1 Corinthians 13:13). If so repent, and do the deeds you did when you first
became a Christian! (Revelation 2:4-5)