Hindrances to Prayer (Mid-Week Bible Study)

Series: Becoming Like Jesus.

Introduction

  • Today, we delve further into our recent lessons on Jesus’ prayer practices.
  • In every relationship, getting a response to our requests is essential; without it, we feel undervalued, ignored, and frustrated.
  • God desires to answer our prayers, yet we often find ourselves not seeing those answers. Why is this?
  • All prayers would be answered if God didn’t require our cooperation.
  • This is because God has chosen to work on Earth through the cooperation of humans.

Question: What are the implications of unanswered prayers?


Unbelief

  • Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-28, Luke 9:38-43

  • Why could we not cast it out?… Because of your unbelief (Mtt. 17:19-20).

  • The term “unbelief” (apistia in Greek) suggests a deficiency in your confidence or conviction in the power of faith, particularly in your ability to use faith in a matter or for it to work for you. Have you encountered the expression, “This is not a matter of prayers” before?

  • Unbelief is you knowing God can do miracles but thinking God cannot do it through you or do it for you. Remember the man with the one talent from Sunday message (Matthew 25:24-25)

  • “Faithless and Perverse Generation. How long will I put up with you?” Mark 9:18
    – Faithless in Greek is apistos meaning unbelieving, unfaithful.
    – Perverse in Greek is diestrammene from the verb turn different/wrong ways or twisted.

Unbelief

  • What is wrong with this prayer? – “Have mercy on us and help us if You can.” Mark 9:22-24, Heb. 11:6
  • Walk by faith and not by sight (2Cor. 5:7). Faith – Quality not quantity matters

  • “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” – Mark 9:24

  • No need to argue with the crowd – Mark 9:12

  • This kind does not come out but by prayer and fasting – Matt. 17:21, Mark 9:29, Phil. 2:9-11.

  • Know and use your weapon. You have faith. But if you don’t use it or know how to use it, you will be ineffective in prayers. 2 Cor. 10:3-5, Eph. 6:10-17, Heb. 6:1.

Lack of Knowledge

  • His divine power has given us all things we need – 2 Pet. 1:1-4
  • What promise are you basing your prayer on? Do you believe it? Eph. 2:18, Pro. 28:9, Is.55:7
  • You must pray according to God’s will – I John 5:14-15
  • Don’t pray amiss or with a wrong motive – James 4:3
  • Ask in Jesus name – John 14:14, 16:23-24.
  • Faith is voice-activated. Speak to the mountain – Mark 11:23-24, Pro.18:21

Sin and Unforgiveness

  • Forgiveness is key – Mark 11:23-25
  • Your actions and attitude towards others can affect your prayers – I Pet. 3:1, 7, 8-12.
  • Submit yourself to God and Resist the devil – I Peter 5:7-9, James 4:7

Conclusion

  • God desires to answer your prayers, and address your needs and concerns.
  • It displeases God and breaks His heart when our prayer is ineffective.
  • When faced with obstacles in prayer, seek understanding from God (James 1:5).
  • God is willing to reveal the reasons behind prayer hindrances. Pray in the Spirit.
  • Upon gaining insights from God, your response is crucial.
  • Take appropriate actions to align with His will, ensuring your prayers yield the desired results and bring glory to His name.

Call upon Him and He will deliver! Ps. 50:8

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