Summary: Looking at how the Apostles and early Christians when they prayed they had success and breaking down barriers that cause our prayers to fall short.

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