Some of the Common Hindrances to Prayer
Unforgiveness: If you hold anything against anyone, forgive that your Father in heaven may forgive your sins. [Mark 11:25 NIV]
Unconfessed Sin: We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will, (John 9:31 NIV]
If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; [Psalm 66:18 NIV]
Lack of sensitivity to those in need: If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and none answered. [Proverbs 21:13 NIV]
Sleepiness: Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Could you not watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. [Matthew 26:40-43 KJV]
Worry: Do not be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6 KJV]
Wrong Motives: Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. [James 4:3 KJV]
Proud Attitude: But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. [James 4:6 KJV]
…and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. [1 Peter 5:5]
Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. [Proverbs 16:18]
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination (detestable) unto him. A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among the brethren.
[Proverbs 6: 16-19]
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. [James 4:11KJV]
Improper Husband-Wife Relationship: Likewise, ye husbands, unto with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
[1 Peter 3:7]
Meaningless repetition: But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. [Matthew 6:7 KJV]
When Your Heart is not Right Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit in me. [Psalm 51:10]
Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. [Ps.51:2]
Most of the above came from Anchor Your Life a WWW user-supported ministry.
CONCLUSION
There are several areas that can prevent for prayers from being answered because they are not in synch with how God thinks. If you get on the same page with God and have a pure heart, he will hear you, and your prayers will be answered.
Have you done any serious soul searching by asking yourselves the following questions?
What areas of your life may be hindering your prayer life?
Is there any unconfessed sin in your life?
Is there a relationship that needs to be reconciled?
Do you have a problem forgiving others?
Have you been obedient with all God has told you to do?
If you are led, please feel free to comment below.