2. What is it that might hinder our prayers that connects us with the throne of God in heaven? This morning we discussed three things that would hinder our prayers from connecting with God. Our prayers may be hindered if we are sinners who have not obeyed the gospel of Christ. Our prayers may be hindered even if we are Christians by our selfishness. Our prayers may be hindered because of our failure to honor or respect our spouse. Tonight, we will study five more reasons from the Scriptures that may hinder your prayers.

3. Failing to Correct our Wrongs with Brethren may Hinder our Prayers Jesus teaches us to be reconciled with our brother before offering our worship to God. (Matthew 5:21-24; 18:15-18) When you realize there’s a problem with your brother make it right with them before you petition God on your behalf or others. But if you neglect to make it right, you may build up anger, resentment, and be bitter towards your brother (Eph. 4:32) and God will not hear your prayers.

4. 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 (Mt. 6:14-15; 18:23-35; Luke 17:3-4). If you don’t show mercy to others by being willing to forgive them, how will you receive mercy from the Lord (James 2:13)? When you beg for mercy in judgment, the Lord will refuse to listen (Matthew 7:22-23).

5. Pride and Hypocrisy may Hinder our Prayers Pride prevented the Pharisee from admitting that he was a sinner like everyone else and caused him to think that he was better than others (Luke 18:9-14). Hypocrites desire to be noticed by men for their good works and praised for their prayers but the Lord will not reward them (Matthew 6:1-8). Hypocrites judge and condemn others while practicing the same sins (Rom. 2:1-3, 21-22). They need to cleanse their hearts so that their actions will be right or God will not hear them (Mt. 23:25ff).

6. Worry and Doubt May Hinder our Prayers Worry and doubt demonstrate a lack of faith in God’s providential care in our lives (Luke 12:22-32). Replace the worry and doubt with trust and confidence in God’s promises (Pr. 3:5-7; Heb. 13:5-6) so that you can have the peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:6-7). Seek first the kingdom of God so that you won’t worry about tomorrow (Matt. 6:33-34; Luke 10:38-42). But if you doubt that God will answer your prayers you should not expect to receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-8)

7. Our prayers may be Hindered because we Refuse to Listen to God’s Word How would you feel if your spouse talked to you, but never listened? Yet, the same people who don’t listen expect that God will hear and answer their prayers when they don’t obey Him! (Luke 6:46) “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.

8. Conclusion Instead of shaking the cell phone when I get static, I change my position from where I was in order to communicate again. BE RECONCILED to GOD through JESUS CHRIST- Alien Sinners cannot pray to God to have their sins forgiven, as they must believe, repent, and be baptized to have their sins forgiven. (Acts 2:38, 41-42, 22:16) BE RECONCILED TO YOUR BROTHER- Your prayers may be hindered because you have not corrected your wrongs with your brother. If so, be reconciled with them today before offering your prayer!

9. Conclusion 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)! CONFESS YOUR SINS- Thankfully, we have an Advocate with the Father through Jesus Christ so that when we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9; 2:1; James 5:16) If you need to obey the gospel or be restored come forward as we stand and sing!