The Evangelist Speaks

by Evangelist Carolyn Griffin

Hindrances to Answered Prayer
Part III

This week we will conclude our articles on hindrances to answered prayer. We have discussed sin, unforgiveness, unbelief, doubt, and double-mindedness. Let’s focus on our motives today, specifically, wrong motives. What is the intent our hearts when we pray? Are our prayers motivated by need or greed? Are our prayers motivated by a genuine love for others or by selfish desires? Are we praying to see “God’s Kingdom Come”, or are we motivated by our own agendas? Are we praying that God’s Glory be revealed in the earth realm, or are we seeking His Glory for ourselves. As we look to the Word of God, let us examine our motives and determine if they are the wrong motives and are hindering the answers to our prayers.

 Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:5-8 that we are not to pray as the hypocrites; always in public places so we can be seen of men. We are often motivated by how many people see us pray and how well they say we prayed. Jesus instructs us to pray in secret and our Father will reward us openly. He further warns us about praying as the heathen do. Vain repetitions and lengthy prayers mean nothing when our motives are selfish and we simply want to be heard or to pray longer and better than the last person. These type prayers take a lot of time, but because our motives are wrong, they yield very little or no results. 

We often quote James 4:2-3 when we speak of our prayers not being answered because of wrong motives. The Amplified Bible states it very clearly. You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become murderers. [To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask. [I John 5:15] [Or] you do ask [God for them] and yet fail to receive, because you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is [when you get what you desire] to spend it in sensual pleasures. Read verses 4-6 for further clarity. James is actually speaking concerning unanswered prayers of backsliders. Unfortunately, many professing Christians are in backslidden conditions, sitting comfortably in padded pews each Sunday and Wednesday.

We lusts, we murder with our tongues, we covet and ask amiss to satisfy our lust, we fight amongst ourselves, we are in adulterous relationships, (naturally and spiritually) and we are filled with pride and rebel against God and leadership. We wallow in sin, harbor unforgiveness, walk in doubt and unbelief instead of faith, and are too often double-minded in our prayers and thoughts.

True Christians should not have to look as this passage as a reason for unanswered prayers. We will find great comfort and many answers as we meditate on the remaining verses in James 4. It is our prayer that this series of articles has helped us to see that God is not going to answer our prayers until we line up with His Word. We will not ask with wrong motives and other hindrances, if our lives are hid with Christ in God, and we ask according to His Promises. When we truly delight ourselves in Him, He will give us he desires of our hearts. Let us “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto us.” God does hear, and answer prayers.

            LET US PRAY!!!!