What is it that might hinder our prayers that connects us with the throne of God in heaven? Many have been frustrated with their cell phone because they don’t hear the other person talking back to them, so they ask, “Can you hear me now?” We wonder if our message is getting through and sometimes we are cut off. Our prayers can be like that at times. Do we ever doubt that our message is getting through or is cut off? In this study, let us examine what the Bible says about what hinders your prayers.

Our Prayers may be Hindered because of our Sins “Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). God’s ears are open, but there is no connection in prayer because it was hindered by their sins. Little children can pray because they are humble, innocent, and examples of what we should be. (Matthew 18:3-4) When we choose to give into temptation, our lust has conceived which then gives birth to sin leading to death (James 1:13). Through the death of Jesus, we can be reconciled to God in one body, and thus have communication with the throne of grace (Eph. 2:11-22; 1 Pet. 3:12).

Our Prayers may be Hindered because of Selfishness “You ask and do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:3). Some think that God is like Santa Claus and will give them whatever they want (2 Tim. 3:1-5). Jesus did not come to be please Himself, but to give his life as a ransom for many as He prayed not My will but Thine be done (Mt. 26:39; Rom. 15:3; Tit. 2:14). As Christians, we have died to self and are to live for Jesus daily (Titus 3:3; 2 Cor. 5:14-15; Luke 9:23). If we are selfish and not willing to help the needy, God will not answer us (Pr. 21:13; Ph. 2:3-4; 1 Jn. 3:17).

Our Prayers may be Hindered because of Failure to Honor Your Spouse A husband is to understand and show honor to his wife as a fellow heir in the grace of life so that his prayers won’t be hindered (1 Peter 3:7). Certainly God is not going to hear the prayers of the husband who beats, abuses, divorces, or commits adultery against his wife (Mt. 5:32; 19:9). If you don’t love, honor, and cherish your wife as you have vowed, God will cut off your prayers! In the same way, a wife is to submit respectfully to her husband by having a meek and quiet spirit. (1 Peter 3:1-6) If you treat your spouse with contempt, God won’t hear!

Our prayers may be hindered because of uncorrected wrongs with brethren Jesus warns us that we should correct our wrongs with a Christian before offering our worship to God (Matthew 5:21-24). If you realize you are guilty of offending them, it is your responsibility to clear yourself of wrongdoing before you petition God on your behalf or others. There may be static on the line because you continue to neglect to make it right.

Our prayers may be hindered because of greed Do our prayers not get answered sometimes because we are greedy? (James 4:1f) Jesus taught that you cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24) Jesus warned us about its danger by telling the rich landowner that he was going to lose his soul that night because he was selfish (Luke 12:15-21) The apostle Paul taught that it drowns men in destruction (1 Timothy 6:9) There may be static on the line because of greed.

Our prayers may be hindered because we are unmerciful Do we show the same mercy to others that the Lord has demonstrated toward us? (1 Timothy 1:16) Jesus taught us to pray that God would forgive our debts as we also forgive the ones who have sinned against us and begged for mercy. (Matthew 6:14-15; 18:23-35) If you don’t demonstrate mercy to others but instead bear grudges, resentment, and bitterness, how can you expect to receive mercy? (James 2:13) There may be static on the line when you beg for mercy.

Our prayers may be hindered because of refusal to listen to God’s word How would you feel if your spouse talked to you, but never listened? Yet, the same people expect that God will hear and answer their prayers, but don’t obey Him! “He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.” (Proverbs 28:9) The law of the Lord should be our delight and meditation everyday (Psalms 1:2). God’s commands are given out of love and are not burdensome (1 John 5:3) If there is static on the line, examine yourself if you are really listening to His words of eternal life.

Clearing up the static so God will hear again Instead of shaking the cell phone when I get static, I change my position from where I was in order to communicate again. CONFESS SIN- Spiritually, I must humble myself, and confess my sins so that whatever obstacle was hindering my prayer will be forgiven so that God will hear (1 John 1:6-10) BE RECONCILED- Just because a prayer was not answered the way you wanted, does not mean it was because you sinned. Maybe it is because you have not cleared up your guilt with your spouse or brethren. If so, be reconciled today! BE RESTORED TO YOUR FIRST LOVE- Maybe you are saying and doing what is right, but not out of love (1 Corinthians 13:1- 3). If so repent, and do the deeds you did when you first became a Christian! (Revelation 2:4-5)