Things that hinder prayers (2)
Third is a broken relationship. Unresolved conflicting relationships become a hindrance.
Matthew 5:23-24 “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that
your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go.
First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Go first, be reconciled, and come to God. It is important to resolve relationships with people. However, if we are truly sincere and honest, God does not make that broken relationship an obstacle to our prayers.
Fourth is selfishness. What you cannot obtain even if you ask is because you are asking wrongly to use it for your passions.
James 4:3 “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”
Fifth is the attitude of being a bystander. If the person praying does not heed the cries of the poor, when he cries out, no one, even God, answers. When someone around you needs or asks for rightful help, it is important to have the attitude of listening. When asked for help, the important thing is to stand in the shoes of that person. Too often, we reject the request of others by only considering our own thoughts and positions. We say with words that we are rejecting even though it is painful for us, but that is just an excuse, and in truth, that is not the case.
Proverbs 21:13 “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out
and not be answered.”
If we open our ears to those who are suffering, God will also continue to open His ears towards us.
Sixth is inappropriate faith or having doubt. A person with doubt is like a wave of the sea being swayed by the wind. The Bible tells us not to think that such a person will receive anything.
James 1:5-7 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all
without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting,
for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.”
Put down your doubts and seek for wisdom.
If these hindrances are properly dealt with, God will gladly answer your prayers.
