Obstacles of prayer II

OBSTACLES OF PRAYER II

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:16 NLT)

Yesterday we shared that when prayers are inefficient, we don’t receive what we are asking for. We also learned two obstacles of prayer that were doubt and wrongly asking. Today we will learn two more:

Problems with other people.

But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too. (Mark 11:25 NLT)

We have all been hurt or wounded at some point by family, friends, or maybe an organization has made us feel resentful or angry with them. But, the lack of forgiveness keeps our prayers far from God’s reach. In this case, prayer and fasting are not effective, all we are doing is keeping ourselves hungry.

Having a bad marital relationship.

 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. (1 Peter 3:7 NLT)

Sometimes, spouses don’t get along. Example: the husband is too impatient and rude with his wife and children and the wives shout at and mistreat them too. This causes desperation in the family. It’s not what they say, but how they say it. That is why their prayers don’t even go through the roof.

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:16 NLT)

Let’s take care of our relationships at home and outside of it, maintaining a healthy heart so that our prayers don’t have obstacles.

Think about it:

Is there anyone who you need to forgive or ask for forgiveness?
How is your relationship with your spouse and children?
What changes do you need to make so your prayers don’t have obstacles?