This article concerning an important matter was written by Wayne Jackson. It appears here reprinted from the February, 1980 edition of the Christian Courier. The paper was published by the East Main Street Church of Christ in Stockton, California and was edited by Jackson.
When the apostle Peter penned that first epistle which bears his name, it was directed to, "the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia" (First Peter 1:1). The basic design of this divine narrative is to encourage saints who are suffering persecution. In times of hardship, prayer, the blessed privilege of communicating with Almighty God, becomes precious indeed. It was in view of suffering and the power of prayer as a source of strength during the same, that Peter cautioned Christians to conduct their lives that their, "prayers be not hindered" (First Peter 3:7). The term "hindered" translates the Greek word enkopto, derived of two elements: en (in) and kopto (to strike or cut). "The meaning hinder arose out of its military use. During a retreat a road might be cut into (i.e., broken up) in order to delay the pursuing enemy" (New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology, II, 220). Surely no child of God would want to sabotage his prayers! As our prayers are aimed heavenward, we ought to determine to do all that is humanly possible to see that their path remains unobstructed. Let us give consideration to some possible hindrances to prayer.
1. Lack of faith - A lack of faith can certainly hinder one's prayers. James declares that we must pray "in faith, nothing doubting" (James 1:6). One who doubts is like the restless sea; he is double minded and hence shall not receive his requests from the Lord. It is an essential ingredient of genuine faith that we believe that God, "is a rewarder of them that seek after Him" (Hebrews 11:6). The Christian's confidence in prayer is founded upon at least two bases. First, since God is Almighty (Genesis 17:1) and can do all things (Job 42:2) that are consistent with His nature and will, He is obviously able to answer prayer. Secondly, Jehovah is loving (First John 4:8) and rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4) and so is desirous of answering His children's requests in harmony with their real needs. Paul forcefully reasoned in Romans 8:32 that if God, "spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not also with Him freely give us all things?"
A precautionary word is here in order. The Lord answers prayer according to our eternal needs, not necessarily according to our wants. And so, he may answer no as in the case of Paul who petitioned for the removal of his thorn in the flesh (Second Corinthians 12:8-9). Or God may delay an answer. Paul had repeatedly prayed that he might be enabled to visit the saints in Rome (Romans 1:9-10) yet it was not until several years afterward that his request was granted (Acts 28:15-16). The point is this, just because our prayers are not answered exactly when or how we would desire should never cause us to lose confidence in the heavenly Father.
2. Ignorance - The disciples once approached Christ as He was praying. They asked, "Lord, teach us to pray, even as John also taught his disciples" (Luke 11:1). This reveals that there must be a correct way to pray that comes as a consequence of teaching. It is frequently the case that Christians, "know not how to pray" as they ought (Romans 8:26). For instance, it may be that some saints do not know of God's willingness to answer our prayers, hence they have not because they ask not (James 4:2, Philippians 4:6). Ignorance concerning the proper object of prayer can hinder. One must for example, pray according to God's will in order to be heard (First John 5:24). It is imperative therefore, that one have a knowledge of the Lord's will if he would form effectual petitions. It would not for instance, be proper to pray for miracles since such signs served a unique place in the divine plan (Mark 16:17-20; Hebrews 2:2-4) and thus, have been terminated (First Corinthians 13:8-13; Ephesians 4:8-16). Nor should one pray for God to save any person who remains in rebellion to His saving plan (First John 5:16). We must seek to know the Father's will and pray consistently therewith.
3. Lack of Purity - If prayer is to reach the throne of grace, the supplicant must strive with deadly seriousness to conform his life to the holy will of the Lord God. The Bible is replete with instructions to this end. Isaiah warned Israel of old that Jehovah would not hear them because of their sins (Isaiah 59:2). The Savior solemnly taught that we must abide in Him and allow His words to abide in us if we would have our petitions fully answered (John 15:7). Peter declared that, "the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears unto their supplication" (First Peter 3:12). Yes, the prayers of the righteous person avails much (James 5:6). The requests of those who deliberately turn away from hearing the Creator's will are abominable in His sight (Proverbs 28:9). And yet, how many in the church of the Lord lead weekday lives of reckless abandon only to offer impenitent and impious prayers on Sunday morning? Or how many thrust the Almighty to some remote corner of their lives only to summon Him in panic when death or disaster invades their home? We need to learn the lesson that David knew so well; Jehovah will be near to those whose hearts are broken on account of their sins and who develop a contrite heart (Psalm 34:18).
It is not suggested of course, that the child of God must be perfect in order to have his prayers heard. None of us has reached permanent perfection; not even Paul had (First Corinthians 9:26-27; Philippians 3:12). We are all still struggling with our weaknesses. But we may be sure of one thing. Unless we are truly serious about the Christian life, unless we are earnestly seeking to grow daily, unless our minds are being renewed and our existence transformed (Romans 12:2) our prayers will shrivel and die upon our tongues!
4. Lack of Humility - No one is qualified to approach the great God of the universe with a spirit of smugness. He is God Almighty (Genesis 17:1) while we are but dust (Genesis 3:19). He is Creator, we the created (Psalm 100:3). He is holy (Psalm 99:9) yet we are sinful (Romans 3:9-10). Accordingly, prayer must ever be characterized by a spirit of lowliness. This lesson is taught in one of the Lord's parables. Two men went up to the temple to pray (Luke 18:9ff). One was a Pharisee and the other was a publican. The Pharisees were the straightest sect of Judaism (Acts 26:5) though they were religious showoffs (Matthew 6:1-17). They were highly esteemed by the common people of Palestine. By way of contrast, the Publicans (tax collectors for the Roman government) were despised. They were classed with Gentiles, harlots and sinners (Matthew 18:17; 21:31-33; 9:10). When the Pharisee arrived at the temple he struck a pose and eulogized himself. "I thank thee, that I am not as the rest of men..." He viewed himself as a self-made man and he adored his creator! In stark relief however, the publican contritely sought the Lord's mercy and he was justified rather than the other. The lesson of the parable is this: arrogance can negate prayer, humility will bless it. This word may be added. While we are to pray with truly humble hearts, a balanced view acknowledges that due to the work of our great High Priest Jesus, we may draw near, "with boldness unto the throne of grace" (Hebrews 4:16). Humbled confidence; that is the divine ideal.
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