Prayer-Part 6: Hindrances to prayer
Prayer isn’t a magic wand we can just wave to achieve results. It is a lifestyle we must pursue and live. A lifestyle of effective prayer requires that we do not allow certain traits to creep into our lives, let alone become our character. If any of these anti-prayer traits remain in our lives, our prayers will be no more than scheduled religious recitals with no guarantee of producing any results. Let us consider the issue of unforgiveness today.
If you are prone to unforgiveness, think about what Jesus said in Matthew 6:15: “But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions”. “Indeed, we all make many mistakes” (James 3:2) – but when you choose not to forgive those who offend you, you exclude yourself from God’s forgiveness and thereby dwell in sin. Even so, if you regard iniquity in your heart the Lord will not hear you (Psalm 66:18). You cannot launch your prayers out to heaven from a platform of unforgiveness or bitterness. These will certainly hold you back. So Jesus says: “Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering (Matthew 5:23-24)”. This is an amazing Scripture. Your brother may have something against you, but it may not necessarily be your fault. Even so, Jesus taught that you settle that first before you bring your offering, which will include your sacrifice/offering/prayer of praise to God. Of course, some folks have an unhealthy appetite to hold on to grudges, and the Lord teaches us how to handle those issues (see Matthew 18:15-19). Most unbelievers will hate you for being a believer, and you can’t go around apologizing to them for your faith. But the lesson here is to take the initiative to make peace with a brother (fellow believers; but family members and those you dwell with will also fall into this category) before bringing your offerings to God. This illustrates God’s desire for us to keep the bond of peace between us as a prerequisite for effective prayer life. “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16). But when we agree with God and are at peace, good shall come to us (Job 22:21).
If you suffer from the sin of unforgiveness, ask God for the grace to forgive those who have hurt you, and purpose in your heart with the grace God gives not to hold on to the memories/feelings of the hurt. To be totally free from the grip of unforgiveness, we will do well to heed Jesus’ words on how to treat those who hurt us: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you, and persecute you (Matthew 5:44)”. This is very contrary to what many may suggest. God understands this, for He says, “…My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways..,” (Isaiah 55:8). Even so, it is the way of the Lord alone that works. It is also the way of the Lord not to just stop doing a bad thing, but rather to replace that bad deed with a good one. In the same way, replace your feelings of bitterness and unforgiveness with love, which also manifests itself by praying for, blessing and doing good to your offender – just as Jesus instructs us to do.
Here is a sobering thought: You cannot afford not to forgive. Unforgiveness will not only hinder your prayers, it will actually lead you to hell!
To be continued…
Kwadwo Omari
© 2015