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For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
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These are some great books to encourage you.
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Hindrances to Prayer - Distractions - by Petey Prater
Posted on Saturday, November 04 @ 00:00:00 PST by DancingQueen |
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The phone rings incessantly. The kids are vomiting. I'm angry with my husband. A friend has a flat tire and is delayed arriving for my meeting.
My week ran smoothly until this morning. But today, prayer meeting morning, chaos reigns and prayer is derailed by distractions.
What distractions keep you from prayer?
God tells us, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Eph. 6:18 NIV)
But prayer is a tough discipline and has many enemies. It is a very difficult habit to establish in our lives. Why?
Prayer is a spiritual discipline and must be directed by the Holy Spirit. We learn to pray by listening and submitting to God. But Self, the natural man in each of us, does not want to submit to God, Self wants to lead. (Rom 10:3)
Satan and demon powers are also the Christian's enemies. They attempt to keep you from prayer because faith filled prayer, spoken in Jesus' name, releases power to defeat the enemy. Scripture warns us to be watchful for the devil's distractions. "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith. . . ." (1 Pet. 5:8,9 NAS) As you resist the enemy in Jesus name, your prayers can succeed.
Three Other Distractions to Prayer
These problems will also distract your efforts to pray unless you deal with them.
- Heart Wounds: As we walk through life, people offend and hurt us. This creates broken relationships and heartache. Ask the Lord to release you from pain and anger. He alone can give grace to forgive each person who has wounded you. His love can free you from anger and a desire for revenge. Until you forgive your enemies, God cannot hear your prayers. (Matt. 6:14; Ps. 66:18)
- Fear: Bring your fears to the Lord. Fear and faith can't live together. Fear crowds out faith. Without faith you can't please God. (Heb. 11:6) Fear creates doubt and unbelief, defeating your prayers. God must be Supreme in the prayer warrior's life. Your faith grows stronger each time you trust God's character and His Word. Exercise faith and your fears will fade.
- Rebellion: Do not be a rebel, resisting or defying God's kind authority as your Creator and Lord. Keep His commandments so it will go well with you and your children. (Deut. 4:39,40) God sees rebellion as the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness as idolatry. (1 Sam. 15:22-24) Obedience to God's Sovereignty and Word brings His blessings on your life and allows your prayers to be heard.
Habits that Help Daily Prayer
- Find a quiet place to meet God daily - your bedside, a morning walk, a favorite chair.
- Pray first when you awake, then throughout the day. Give God your beginnings and He will shape your day.
- Have your Bible, a notebook, tissues, a pen, and a drink available.
- Lost your focus? It helps to pray out loud.
- Pray with a child's abandon, not as a perfectionist. Your Father loves you and delights in hearing your requests and praise. Be honest. Be yourself.
- Ask Jesus to teach you to pray. He will.
Prayer perfects and defines destiny. God "is intimate with the upright!" (Prov 3:32 NASB)
What a promise. Pray!
Note: Petey Prater is a Beaverton, OR writer and speaker who can be reached at donprater@juno.com. She writes poetry, articles and devotionals and has contributed to two books available at Bible book stores:
Prayers for Troubled Times compiled by Jeannie St John Taylor, AMG Publishers
101 Stories of Answered Prayer by Jeannie St John Taylor, AMG Publishers
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