Through To The End

\ (1) You do not have because you do not ask. James 4:2 NIV



When our prayers are not answered, we want to know what's wrong with God. It's easier to blame Him than look in the mirror and say, "Maybe I'm the problem." Let's look at some common prayer barriers. Barrier #1 - prayerlessness. Be honest; how often do you decide to pray about something, add it to your prayer list, say you'll pray about it, and almost do? You think about it from time to time, but you hardly pray about it at all. Why isn't God answering? Because you haven't prayed yet! Some of us live by the motto "Why pray when you can worry? Why pray when you can work yourself to death trying to get it? Why pray when you can go without?" Get this: when we work, we work; when we pray, God works! Barrier #2 - unconfessed sin. Listen: "Your sins have hidden His face from you so that He will not hear" ( Isaiah 59:2 NIV). God expects you to maintain your personal integrity, to show thoughtfulness and love toward others, and to put Him first in your life. Listen: "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" ( Micah 6:8 NIV). Those aren't suggestions - they're requirements! If you don't meet them, don't expect God to answer your prayers; you're wasting your breath unless it's a prayer of confession. First seek His forgiveness, then He'll listen when you pour out your heart to Him.