Prayer Foundation
Hindrances to Prayer
Some of the Common Hindrances to Prayer
Unforgiveness:
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." (Mark 11:25)
Un-Confessed Sin:
We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. (John 9:31 NIV)
If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; (Psalms66:18 NIV)
Lack of sensitivity to those in need
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered. (Proverbs 21:13 NIV)
Request is Outside of God's Will:
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (1 John 5:14 NIV)
Sleepiness:
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 41 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." 42 He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." 43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. (Matthew 26:40-43 NIV)
Worry:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6 NIV)
Wrong Motives:
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (James 4:3 NIV)
Proud Attitude:
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6 NIV)
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:10 NIV)
Improper Husband-Wife Relationship:
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. (1 Peter 3:7 NIV)
Meaningless repetition:
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. (Matthew 6:7 NIV)
Anchoring Deeper
What area(s) of your life may be hindering your prayer life?
Is there any un-confessed sin in your life?
Is there a relationship that needs to be reconciled?
Have you been obedient with all that God has told you to do?
Do some serious soul searching today...