Breaking The Barrier Of Prayerlessness Series

BREAKING THE BARRIER OF PRAYERLESSNESS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 18:1

Key Verse:  “And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” (Luke 18:1)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 26:41; James 5:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Colossians 4:2; Isaiah 62:6-7

INTRODUCTION

Prayer is the lifeline of the believer and the channel through which heaven’s power flows into earthly affairs. When prayer is neglected, spiritual sensitivity is lost, and believers unknowingly build barriers that hinder divine manifestations. Prayerlessness does not always begin suddenly; it often creeps in through weariness, distractions, and misplaced priorities.

Jesus, knowing the dangers of a prayerless life, deliberately taught His disciples the necessity of persistent prayer. In Luke 18:1, He emphasised that men ought always to pray and not to faint. This instruction reveals that prayerlessness leads to spiritual fainting, vulnerability, and defeat.

This sermon exposes prayerlessness as a barrier and reveals how it can be broken. When the altar of prayer is restored, strength is renewed, grace is released, and victories are enforced.

1. PRAYERLESSNESS WEAKENS SPIRITUAL STRENGTH

Prayer is the source of spiritual stamina. When prayer is absent, weakness sets in.

a) Prayer sustains spiritual alertness

Jesus warned the disciples to watch and pray so they would not enter temptation (Matthew 26:41). Prayerlessness opens the door to spiritual defeat.

b) Prayerlessness makes believers vulnerable

Without prayer, believers rely on human strength, which always fails (Zechariah 4:6).

c) Prayer renews inner strength

Those who wait on the Lord through prayer receive renewed strength (Isaiah 40:31).

d) A weak prayer life produces a weak Christian walk

Spiritual authority is sustained by consistent communion with God (Ephesians 6:18).

Biblical Example:

Samson lost strength when his spiritual discipline was compromised (Judges 16:20).

2. PRAYERLESSNESS STOPS DIVINE INTERVENTION

God moves where prayer is present. Prayerlessness blocks divine involvement.

a) Prayer invites God into human affairs

“Call unto Me, and I will answer thee” (Jeremiah 33:3).

b) Prayerlessness delays answers

James teaches that many do not receive because they do not ask (James 4:2).

c) Prayer activates heavenly resources

Elijah prayed, and the heavens responded (James 5:16-18).

d) God responds to persistent prayer

Luke 18 teaches that consistency breaks resistance.

Biblical Example:

The early church prayed, and Peter was miraculously released from prison (Acts 12:5-11).

3. PRAYERLESSNESS OPENS THE DOOR TO SPIRITUAL DECLINE

When prayer fades, spiritual decline begins.

a) Prayerlessness dulls spiritual sensitivity

Lack of prayer weakens discernment (Hebrews 5:14).

b) Prayerlessness empowers the enemy

Satan thrives where prayer is absent (1 Peter 5:8).

c) Prayer keeps believers spiritually aligned

Prayer maintains intimacy with God (Psalm 63:1).

d) Prayerlessness leads to fainting

Jesus warned against fainting through prayerlessness (Luke 18:1).

Biblical Example:

King Saul lost divine direction because he drifted from spiritual dependence (1 Samuel 28:6).

4. BREAKING THE BARRIER THROUGH PERSISTENT PRAYER

Prayerlessness is broken by intentional and persistent prayer.

After teaching the necessity of prayer, Jesus presented a parable to show that persistence brings results.

a) Persistent prayer overcomes resistance

The unjust judge responded due to consistency (Luke 18:4-5).

b) Prayer must be deliberate and disciplined

Daniel prayed consistently despite opposition (Daniel 6:10).

c) Prayer builds spiritual authority

Authority flows from communion (Luke 9:1).

d) Prayer sustains faith and endurance

Continuous prayer keeps believers spiritually alive (Colossians 4:2).

Biblical Example:

Jesus Himself maintained a strong prayer life despite intense ministry demands (Mark 1:35).

CONCLUSION

Prayerlessness is not merely a habit issue; it is a spiritual barrier that restricts access to divine power and direction. When believers neglect prayer, they faint spiritually and lose ground to the enemy.

However, the barrier of prayerlessness can be broken. Through deliberate, persistent, and faith-filled prayer, believers regain strength, restore spiritual authority, and experience divine intervention. A praying believer is an unstoppable believer.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, forgive me for every form of prayerlessness in my life.

2. Lord, rekindle the fire of prayer upon my altar.

3. Every barrier discouraging my prayer life, be destroyed now.

4. Holy Spirit, help me to pray always and not faint.

5. I receive fresh grace for consistent and effective prayer.

6. Every spiritual weakness caused by prayerlessness, be healed now.

7. Father, restore lost spiritual authority in my life.

8. Let my prayers provoke divine intervention from today.

9. Every distraction assigned to weaken my prayer life, be removed.

10. I declare that my prayer altar will not go cold again.