Prayer is one of the great privileges those who follow God enjoy (Matthew 6:9). Those who are Christians recognize their great need of prayer. James said, “. . . The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). It’s no wonder that the scriptures constantly admonish us not to let anything interfere with our praying. For example, Paul said in Colossians 4:2 that we are to “Continue in prayer . . .” and in I Thessalonians 5:17 that we are to “Pray without ceasing.” We are told in Luke 18:1 “. . . that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” One of the greatest examples of prayer in the Old Testament is found in the life of Daniel. Daniel chapter 6 tells us that Daniel prayed to God three times a day even if it meant being case into a den of lions. Despite all the scriptures have to say about prayer it is easy for us to let things get in our way and hinder prayer. In this article I want to mention three hindrances to prayer.
First, our busy schedules hinder prayer. We live in a hectic society in which great demands are placed upon us both day and night. If we are not careful the whole day will pass without prayer. It may mean getting up a little earlier or staying up later but arrange your time so you can pray. The Christian will die if he allows the rat race of our society to consume his spirituality.
Second, social media hinders prayer. You can’t pray if all of your spare time is occupied with Facebook and your phone. We must have the discipline to cut it off and take care of our spiritual needs.
Third, materialism hinders prayer. Very few prayers will be offered by the person who constantly dwells on the physical. One of the hardest tasks we have in America is keeping life in its proper perspective. So much emphasis is placed on the physical with so little on the spiritual. Blessed is the man who can handle life like God wants.
I sincerely hope you will be careful not to let anything hinder your prayers. I have always liked the statement that says, “More things are wrought by prayer than this world ever dreams of.” Brethren, let’s pray.
Ken Tyler
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