HINDRANCES TO ANSWERED PRAYER CLEARING OUT HINDRANCE IN OUR LIVES WILL ENABLE US TO LIVE IN HARMONY WITH GOD AND OTHERS AND TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN PRAYER. In addition to the hurdles described in the last chapter, there are SPIRITUAL and EMOTIONAL hindrances to prayer that we need to address if we are to have true fellowship with God and receive answers to our prayers. Some of these hindrances have been discussed in other places and contexts in this book. However, I have included them in a more systematic way here so we can recognize and understand the major obstacles that hinder our prayers and, therefore, deal with them more effectively. 1.SIN First, WE MUST ACKNOWLEDGE THE IMPACT OF SIN IN OUR LIVES. Sin, as the Bible says, "is so prevalent" (James 1:21), and our fallen nature causes many problems and misunderstandings in regard to our faith, obedience, and prayers. "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (vv. 21-22). WHEN THERE IS SIN--ESPECIALLY WILLFUL SIN--IN YOUR LIFE, AND YOU ARE NOT OBEYING THE WORD, GOD WILL NOT HEAR YOU. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE HIS FAVOR. Isaiah 59:2 tells us, "Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear," and Psalm 66:18 says, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (KJV). First John 3:22 says, "And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS AND DO THOSE THINGS THAT ARE PLEASING TO HIS SIGHT"(NKJV, emphasis added). However, when we sin, 1 John 2:1 assures us, "If anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." Scripture also promises us: If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVEN and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chron. 7:14, emphasis added)
Posted on: Tue, 17 Sep 2013 12:11:46 +0000
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