Today my intentions was to wrap up my four part series, #PrayTheWord, but God has led me in a different direction. Instead, He wants me to share with you the three reasons why your prayers aren't being answered. Many of you are frustrated because you feel like your prayers aren't being heard. It's like you pray and you pray and you get no answer or response from God.
While it is true we should be praying without ceasing, you can pray from the dawning of the sun to its setting, and still not get your prayers answered. So let's get into the top three reasons blocking your prayers from being answered.
1. Sin-The number one reason why you prayers aren't being heard is because of unconfessed and unrepentant sin. Jesus clearly makes it known that God doesn't listen to sinners, but only those who worship Him and do His will (John 9:31). If your lifestyle is filled with willful sin, I can assure you God is not hearing your prayers. In fact the Word of God says, "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). God knows that we all will sin and fall short of His glory, but that is where His grace and mercy comes in. Even with that, we still must verbally confess and repent of our sins to Him. Yes, Jesus died for our sins, but that doesn't give us an excuse to live any ol' kind of way. Always confess and repent of your sins before going to God in prayer.
A scripture to meditate on: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
2. Unbelief-There are many things that God cannot stand and one of those things is unbelief. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). When you pray, pray in faith belling that God can and will grant you what you are believing and asking Him for (as long it is what you asking in His will). Never prayer in doubt or unbelief. James 1: 6-7, "But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. An example of this is when Jesus tried to perform miracles in his hometown of Nazareth. Because of the people's unbelief in Him, he could not perform any miracles (Matthew 13:58). Could it be your unbelief stopping your prayers for being answered? God answers those who pray in faith!
A scripture to meditate on: I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief. Mark 9:24
3. Unforgiveness- God will not answer your prayers if you are holding anger and unforgiveness in your heart towards other. God said if we don't forgive others, He will not forgive us. To receive forgiveness, you must give it. That is why Jesus commands us to make peace with those we offense against before we pray (Matthew 5:24). Unforgivness leads to bitterness and bitterness leads to hatred which ultimately leads to sin. Offense is a weapon of the enemy and it has many of us snared. But I beg you don't fall for it. Forgive who you need to forgive. Don't let unforgiveness be the reason why your prayers are being heard and answered.
A scripture to meditate on: Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
There are many other reasons why you prayers aren't being answered, but those are the three God placed in my spirit to share with you. Alright, I hope this post blessed you! If you haven't signed up, make sure you do that NOW!
