Hindrances to Prayer
Introduction
It is not easy to pray. All of us struggle in this area. We know we need to pray but something or someone always hinders us. Sometimes, it’s even us! The apostle Peter says, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” (1 Peter 4:7) It’s important to understand these hindrances so that by God’s grace we can overcome them.
Five Major Hindrances
- We detach prayer from a loving relationship with Jesus. (John 15:5-8) – Some think of prayer as something they have to do or want to do regardless of their relationship with Jesus. But our relationship with Jesus comes first before any type of spiritual discipline such as prayer. In other words, prayer without a relationship with Jesus will just be a burden.
- We doubt whether prayer can make any difference. (James 1:5-8) – When we think that prayer will really not change anything since God will just do what He wants to do, then we will not be motivated to pray. If we think that our prayers don’t really matter, then why pray? But the Lord commanded us to pray which means our prayer will count for something.
- We delight in sin instead of confessing it and turning away from it. (Psalm 66:16-20) – When we have unconfessed sins in our lives or willful sins that we continue to commit even though God is telling us about them, our prayers will not be heard. We will also lose our confidence to pray.
- We desire things that are self-centered rather than for the glory of God. (James 4:1-3; Psalm 37:3-4) – Prayer is powerful. But God does not give us that power to just get what we want. He wants us to pray in accordance with His will and for His glory, and not for self-centered interests that can hurt us or others.
- We disregard God’s word and wisdom instead of obeying it. (Proverbs 28:9; 1 Peter 3:10-12) – When we harden our hearts toward God’s instructions, He will not hear our prayers. So, when our prayers are not heard, we must examine our hearts. Perhaps we are disregarding His word and/or wisdom that He has given us previously.
Conclusion
- Main Idea: “We can overcome by choosing the opposite of each one.”
- There will always be hindrances but how we respond to them makes all the difference.
- Choose the opposite of each hindrance by faith and you will experience God’s gift of consolation.
Discussion
- Which of the hindrances do you experience more often? Why?
- How do you normally respond when those hindrances happen?
- What will you do the next time those hindrances happen?