OFTEN individuals find it hard to believe that God will not hear all prayers. With disbelief the honest person will reel in shock as he reads “we know that God heareth not sinners….” (Jn. 9:31). Of God’s own chosen, He informed Jeremiah the prophet, “….though they cry unto Me, I will not hearken unto them” (Jer. 11:11). Again, to the Israelites, Micah says, “Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but He will not hear them: He will even hide His face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings” (Mic. 3:4). David reminds us “the eyes of Jehovah are toward THE RIGHTEOUS, and His ears are open unto THEIR cries” (Ps. 34:15). There is no doubt that these and numerous others Scriptures show that our prayers can be hindered. What an awful thought to know that our heavenly Father will cut off all communication if we fail to follow His will.

The Psalmist encourages us to “delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the delight of thine heart” (Ps. 37:4). The question that we all must ask ourselves “is our heart [mind/spirit] right with the Lord”? It is only to those who truly love the Lord that His spiritual blessings will be given. For the sinner to have his prayers heard, he must first desire to leave behind the world, transforming his heart from worldliness to righteousness (Rom. 12:2; Jn. 14:15; Rom. 6:3-6, 18). Jesus says that we must abide in Him and in His word (gospel) that our prayers be not hindered (Jn. 15:7). Sadly, multitudes assume that they abide in the vine of Christ, but do not because they have never been added to the one church. As long as they remain satisfied in their man-made churches, their prayers will go unheard.

Another barrier to prayer, is unconfessed sin. The Psalmist wrote, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” (Ps. 66:18). It was sin that cast the pair from the Garden of Eden, and it is sin that separates humanity from its Creator (Isa. 59:1-2). Whether we think our sin is exposed or not, from God it cannot be hidden (Ecc. 12:14). The unconfessed, unrepented of sin, is the only unpardonable one. Prayer is the only personal communication we can have with our Heavenly Father at this time. God desires an open line of communication, but will cut that line when sin is actively sought and unconfessed.

Our Savior said, “All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mk. 11:24ASV). However that is a far cry from asking for “anything.” There are preachers today who are telling their hearers that God will provide anything that you ask for. If you want a new car, ask for it; if you what a new house, ask for it. But the Scriptures teach us that God will not answer selfish prayers. The Lord’s brother said, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your pleasures” (Jas. 4:3). Our attitude, motive and emphasis will surely be discovered by the One who reads the hearts of men (Lk. 16:15). In 1 John 5:14ff, the apostles says that our asking MUST be in accordance with the will of God. Our heavenly Father knows what we need (Matt. 6:25-32) and it may not be a new car or house. It may be that we need a new heart.

Our prayers more times than not are given  in doubt. John says that Christians have a boldness toward the Lord that allows us to petition Him for many things. If we lack spiritual wisdom, we are to ask God for it (Jas. 1:5). When others are in need, we are to pray that God will assist them (1 Tim. 2:1-2). We have the privilege of approaching the throne of grace to ask for God’s help in our time of need (Heb. 4:16). We are to pray for the erring brother or sister (Jas. 5: 16). But in all prayers and supplications we are to do so in accordance to God’s will and in faith. (Jas. 1:5-6; 1 Jn. 5:14).

Prayers must never be formalistic or repetitious. When we draw nigh unto God our hearts and lips must honor Him is the reverence due our sovereign and majestic King. May husbands and wives honor one another as true heirs of grace should (1 Pet. 3:7), and may we recognize God’s willingness to bless us exceedingly when our prayers are not hindered.