Discovering the Hindrances to Successful Prayer
Early Christians devoted themselves to prayer
They were successful- Acts 4:31
Prayer is our communication & fellowship w/God!
Many questions exist about prayer
Why should I pray?
Who do we pray to?
Father, Son, HS
Does God hear my prayers?
Is God listening to me?
How come my prayers aren’t answered?
I prayed for so & so and nothing happened!
Unbelief- Mt. 21:22
I prayed and it didn’t work
It rains on the righteous and unrighteous alike- Mt. 5:45
1 John 3:21-23; Mark 11:24
What do you want to see God do?
Grow this church: spiritually and numerically
Do you believe we could be a church of 500? 1000?
With a little faith we can move a mountain
You have to believe in the name of Jesus
Do you believe He will answer your prayer?
Impatience- Luke 18:1-8
Fast-paced culture
Wait on the Lord
Ps. 37:7, 9, 34; 62:5; 106:13; 119:74, 81; 130:5-6
George Mueller- 50,000 answers to prayer
Don’t be impatient w/God
His ways are higher than ours!
He cares for you more than the sparrow!
Unforgiving spirit- Mk. 11:25
Is there someone in your life you haven’t forgiven?
Two insolvent debtors- Mt. 18:23-35
10,000 talents- around $15,180,000
100 denarii- $15
Forgive me my nonsense as I also forgive the nonsense of those who think they talk sense
Robert Frost
This may seem like a small deal, but it’s not!
Don’t let this attitude hinder your prayers
Unconfessed sin- Ps. 66:18; Is. 59:2
John Lavender retells story about Norman Peale
Our sins cause indifference to God
1 John 1:9
Christians want to look good for everyone!
Let your guard down
Confess to someone
The accountability can change your life
Conclusion
What things are coming between you and successful prayer?
Story about mirror and prayer
Get rid of those sins that are hindering you today?
Heb. 12:1
