| Six Reasons Reasons Prayer Is Not AnsweredBy Daniel Rendelman  The Bible gives several reasons why prayer is often ignored by YHWH (the Sacred name of the Creator as seen in Exodus 3.) If words said to the heavens seem to bounce off the ceiling then perhaps there is something standing in the way. Psalm 66:18 gives the most obvious explanation of unanswered prayer. This passage says, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, YHWH will not hear me." The term "iniquity" literally means "lawlessness." This phrase indicates a total disregard to the precepts of the Bible. Iniquity is sin at a higher form of disregard. A person who dismisses the Bible as irrelevant or not binding for today will simply not receive from YHWH. The second reason why YHWH does not answer some prayer is doubt. Matthew 21:22 says, "And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." It takes belief to have a positive result. Prayers that are spoken while doubts are held will be ignored because the doubt will negate the urgency for an answer. Many people think that YHWH is motivated by need and therefore will answer the needy person's plea first. This is not so. The Almighty is not moved one iota by need. If He was, then each person with a desire would be instantly fulfilled. Prayers are answered solely on the basis of faith. Faith is the force that activates the spiritual realm to satisfy the needs and faith works through love. "If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered."Proverbs 21:13 Unforgivness can also delay good things. The Savior said in Matthew 6:14-15, ""For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your father forgive your trespasses." A person's attitude to other people directly affects the grace they receive from YHWH. Prayer is not unconditional! Certain conditions must be met for the right solution to come. A grudge of unforgivness will paralyze even the smallest plea. Believe it or not, but even repetition can stop prayers from being answered. "In praying, don't use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. Therefore don't be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him." Matthew 6:7, 8. This passage shows that YHWH's arm can not be twisted to act by a person who begs and pleads for an answer. It takes more faith to simply say a prayer once and believe it has been answered than it does to petition over and over again for the same thing. Repetition actually hurts the prayer process. Pray for daily bread and then believe that the dough is in the bakery and getting ready to be served. Don't beseech and entreat - just believe!
Family matters that are not resolved can also hinder the heavens. "You husbands, in like manner, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered." 1 Peter 3:7. The family unit must be in order or a domino effect in the spiritual realm will wreck havoc. Disunity between spouses destroys a marriage and impedes spiritual growth. Finally, selfishness must be overcome. James 4:3 shows that a prayer made with the wrong motive will return void. The Almighty wants to bless His people by responding positively to prayer. This can only be done when a person deals with these issues and stops these six blocks to blessing.
| 
No comments:
Post a Comment