8 Hindrances to Prayer

This week we’ll continue on the topic of prayer by discussing some hindrances to prayer.  Prayer is a very powerful and effective force, but there are actually some things we can do that will hinder our prayers and their effectiveness.  They are almost like roadblocks.

When I think of hindrances to prayer I always think of a humorous story that Joe McGee told when speaking at our church one time.  I can’t remember all of the details, but I remember him saying that he was praying one time when God spoke to him about how he was treating Denise, his wife.  He had either been encountering problems or wasn’t getting an answer to prayer (I don’t recall), and he asked God about it.

Joe said he heard clearly in his spirit that God told him to buy his wife the brand of soda and laundry detergent that she wanted.  He had always just bought what he grew up with and was used to, neglecting her preferences.  I think he even made a joke about the laundry detergent because she used Tide, and he said that was just sacrilegious since they were from Tennessee (major rivals of Alabama…aka Crimson TIDE).  He said that God reminded him of 1 Peter 3:7 which said “…Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.”  God was trying to teach him to treat his wife well so that his prayers wouldn’t be hindered.

Aside from how we treat others, there are a few other things that can put a damper on our prayers.  I’ve actually learned about 8 hindrances to prayer that can have a negative impact.  Let’s take a look…

8 Hindrances to Prayer

1. Wrong motives

Like it or not, we can sometimes approach God with wrong intentions, reasons, or motives.  We cannot be evil or completely selfish in our prayer life.  Yes, God wants us to have the desires of our hearts but not at the expense of others.  The Bible says we will not receive if we ask with the wrong motives.

“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:3 (NIV)

2. Unforgiveness in our hearts

If we stand before God harboring unforgiveness toward someone, it will make it difficult for God to hear us and answer us.  How can we expect Him to forgive us and grant our requests if we are not willing to do the same?

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25 (NIV)

3. Unresolved conflict

This hindrance to prayer goes hand in hand with unforgiveness.  We can’t expect to come to God if we have unresolved issues or things pent-up in our hearts.  This is especially true if we have wronged someone else.  The Bible says that before we even go to God, we should first attempt to reconcile any wrongs done to others.

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV)

4. Unconfessed sins

God is a pure and holy God.  If we, knowingly, have unconfessed sin in our lives and refuse to take responsibility for it, we are essentially distancing ourselves and hiding from God (not the other way around).  Sin separates us from God.  To draw near again we need to confess it, then He will hear/listen.

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2 (NIV)

“If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” Psalm 66:18 (NLT) 

If we have unconfessed sin & refuse to take responsibility for it, it distances us from God.

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5. Praying against God’s will

The Bible says that if we ask for anything according to God’s will He will hear us.  Therefore, the flip-side is also true…that He won’t hear if it’s not his will.  If we want God to hear us, we need to make sure that what we are praying is in line with his will, or in other words, it can’t contradict the Bible.  For example, you can’t pray for God to bless or help an affair relationship because God is clearly against adultery.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” 1 John 5:14 (NIV)

6. Praying with doubt or unbelief

Our faith pleases God.  We need to believe that He can actually accomplish what we ask of Him.  If not, what’s the point of asking?  Approaching God with doubt shows Him that we don’t trust Him.  Why should He invest in us when we don’t trust Him?  How much do you invest in those you don’t trust?

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” James 1:6-7 (NIV)

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24 (NIV)

7. Discord in the home or improper treatment of spouse

Mistreatment of our spouse or those in our home can be a direct deterrent to getting our prayers answered.  The Bible out rightly says to treat our spouse as we should so that our prayers will not be hindered.  Maybe you should reconsider buying them their favorite soda or laundry detergent! 🙂

“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)

8. Refusing to listen to God and heed His correction/direction and turning away from God’s law

Just like any parent, God cannot stand defiance.  If we blatantly disregard God and what He tells us to do, we are rebelling and defying God.  Flagrant defiance turns God away.  Do you reward a child or subordinate who acts out in rebellion and defiance?  This is a no-brainer.

“He who turns away his ear from hearing the law [of God and man], even his prayer is an abomination, hateful and revolting [to God].” Proverbs 28:9 (AMP)

“The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12 (NLT) 

Take Some Practical Steps to Avoid Hindrances to Prayer:

• First, think about the motives or purposes of your prayers.

What are your intentions?  Are you purely selfish?  Are you harboring ill-will or requesting something that could be considered evil?  Could you be asking for things that feed your own sin?  If so, hold off on that request, and ask God to set your heart right.  Ask God to align your purposes and motives with His.

• Secondly, if you have unforgiveness in your heart, get it out before making requests of God.

Ask yourself if there is anyone you need to forgive before you pray.  If there is, purpose to forgive them, and give their offense over to God for Him to make it right.

• Next, resolve conflict and make things right with others.

Have you offended anyone?  Do you need to apologize for anything (see this effective 4-step apology)?  If so, take care of it before you pray.

• Additionally, confess your sins.

Before praying ask God to search your heart and show you any areas where you need to repent (Psalm 139:23-24).  If anything comes to mind, admit it, take responsibility then repent (say you’re sorry, then turn away from it and don’t do it again).

• Then, pray within the will of God.

Be sure your requests are in line with scripture. Don’t ask God for things that you know aren’t scriptural.  If you’re not sure, look it up.

• Also, when you pray, don’t doubt.

Get all doubt out of your heart.  Convince yourself that God can and will do what He says.  Build your faith.  How do you build your faith?  Get in the Word—read your Bible, go to church, listen to podcasts/messages, and read godly literature.  Do these things on a daily basis, and it will be easy to believe God and remove doubt.

• Be nice to your spouse!

If you notice some of your prayers aren’t getting answered, check how you’ve been treating your spouse.  Are you causing discord in your home?  Fix it.

• Finally, obey God, and quit running from Him.

Don’t rebel against God.  Have you been doing what God has directed you to do?  If not, you’d better start if you want your prayers heard and answered.

Start eliminating these hindrances to prayer, follow some of the previous tips on how to pray (see previous posts here, here, and here) and experience a dynamic prayer life!

What hindrances to prayer have you been guilty of?  Tell us about it by leaving a comment below. 

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If you have benefited from this post or if you know anyone that could benefit from this, please pay it forward and share this post with them via the sharing links below! “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) 

*Updated: Originally posted 8/11/2015