Today
we’ll continue looking at how sin keeps us closer to the devil and further from
God. Remember - No sin is too small to hinder prayer, especially the sins of:
1. Doubt.
Possibly the greatest hindrance to prayer (. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts
is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not
think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man,
unstable in all he does. James 1:6–8).
2. Self.
A full hand cannot take Christ’s gifts. Pride prevents prayer, for prayer is a
humbling thing. (Delight yourself in the
LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4).
3. Unlove
in the Heart. We cannot be wrong with men and right with God. ("Therefore, if you are offering your gift at
the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave
your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your
brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23–24).
4. Refusal
to Do Our Part. When we pray for the conversion of others, are we
willing to be the means? (Then I
heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go
for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” – Isaiah 6:8)
5. Praying Only
in Secret. The Bible often refers to united prayer! (They
all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women
and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. – Acts 1:14)
6. Failure
to Praise the Lord. We are commanded to “be joyful”! (16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually,
18 give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1
Thessalonians 5:16–18)
Ask the Lord to search us for any prayer-hindering sin, and then give
all the praise, honor and glory in worship back to Him.
