Prayer, hindrances and blessings.
Prayer is a key component to the growth of a Christian. It connects us to God and strengthens our faith. God cares about even the smallest detail of our lives. I used to think that it was silly to ask for little things but he cares about even the smallest things. One day I was coming home from a long day and I realized that I forgot my gate remote to open the gate to get into our condo complex. When this happens I usually have to get out of the car and call my husband’s cell phone to open the gate. Sometimes he doesn’t answer and I could be stuck out there for ten minutes. I said, “Lord please let the gate be open when I get home, I’m so tired and I don’t want to get out of the car and wait, I know it’s a silly prayer but I just need this little thing.” I got to the gate and someone from the other side was sitting on the curb with her remote control aimed at the gate and opening it! I couldn’t believe it. (This never, ever happens) I got out of my car and she came up to me and said “oh, I thought you were someone else.” It really was an answer to my prayer. I love that he loves us that much! Come on- I know we have all prayed for those lost car keys! My goal this year is to increase my intimacy with the Lord through prayer. I am listing some blessings and hindrances to prayer that I think will be helpful.
Hindrances
1. Unconfessed sin- Psalm 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.
2. Insincerity Matt:6:5 And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites....
3. Carnal Motives James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
4. Unbelief James 1:5-6 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
5. Satanic Activity Dan. 10:10-13
6. Domestic Problems 1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
7. Pride Luke 18:10-14 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
8. Refusing to submit to biblical teaching Proverbs 1:24-28: 28:9; 24 Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, 25 Because you disdained all my counsel,
And would have none of my rebuke,....Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
9. Refusing to forgive or to be forgiven Matt: 5:23-24, 6:12,14 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,....
Blessings
The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:18
1. Prayer does the impossible! Matt 21:22 22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
2. Heals the sick. James 5:14-16 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses[e] to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
3. Strengthens us! Jude 1:20-21 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,[g] 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
4. We can pray for wisdom- James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
5. Keeps us from sinning. Matthew 26:41"Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
6. Shows us what God's will is. Luke 11:9-10
7. Prayers delight God. Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.
8. We can intercede for others. Acts 12:5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.
9.Gives us peace- Phil. 4:6-7 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Jesus was our model, he prayed to his father continually and he prayed for the disciples. Prayer for the Christian is like breathing. Without it- we suffer loss of connection with our God, we lose our joy as Christians, we become discouraged and susceptible to the attack of the enemy.
Blessings to you this year as we grow closer to our Savior, Jesus.
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