Prayer is not a joke, nor is it for the fainthearted. Prayer is work. It is engaging, empowering, demanding, and deeply rewarding. It is never a waste of time, nor is it something we do simply because we have nothing else to do. Rather, prayer is what we do because we have many other things to do. It should be our priority.
Prayer is one of the primary ways we fellowship with God the Father and His Son, through the help of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are called to pray—indeed, to pray without ceasing and to remain steadfast in the place of prayer. God has assured us that He is a prayer-answering God.
Prayer is not a joke, nor is it for the fainthearted.
Scripture encourages us to come boldly into God’s presence (Heb 4: 16). We are reminded that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses and strengthens us to pray effectively (Rom 8: 26-27).
Yet, despite all these assurances, it is still possible for our prayers to be hindered—meaning they may not receive God’s approval or His answers. It is important to remember that God answers prayers according to His own will, wisdom and timing, and always within the parameters of His will. Not necessarily because of our desperations. Below are some reasons why answers to prayer may be delayed or withheld.
1. Praying Outside God’s Will: God responds to prayers that align with His will. Any prayer offered outside of His will does not receive His attention or approval. Therefore, before praying, we must spend time seeking and understanding what God’s will is concerning our requests. God is committed to accomplishing what He has determined to do. One of the primary ways to know His will is through Scripture with the help of the Holy Spirit. He knows the heart of God and helps us pray accordingly (Rom 8: 26-27).
Praying with Selfish Motives: Without the love of God in our hearts, selfishness can easily dominate our prayers. Love helps us overcome self-centered desires. The apostle James teaches that some prayers go unanswered because they are rooted in selfish ambition (Jam 4: 2). When our prayers are focused solely on personal gain and satisfaction—placing our interests above God’s will and the good of others—they lose their power. Remember that when God answers your prayers it is not necessarily for you but for His glory and the blessing of people around you.
3. Harboring Unforgiveness: Unforgiveness is a heart issue. God calls us to forgive as He forgave us through Christ Jesus (Eph 4: 32). When unforgiveness is hidden in our hearts, it blocks our ability to walk in love and discern what God is doing. God desires that we forgive willingly and freely so that our prayers will not be hindered (Mk 11: 25).
4. Maltreating or Mistreating Others: Our prayers can also be hindered by how we treat people. God calls us to treat everyone with love, dignity, and respect (Job 36: 5). Looking down on others or belittling those made in God’s image contradicts God’s nature. The apostle Peter warned husbands to treat their wives with honor so that their prayers would not be hindered (1Pt 3: 7). When we fail to walk in love, we are not aligning with God’s agenda, and this affects our prayer life.
When our prayers are focused solely on personal gain and satisfaction—placing our interests above God’s will and the good of others—they lose their power.
5. Living in Sin: The psalmist teaches that sin can obstruct our prayers from reaching God’s throne. Persistent sin blocks access to God, corrupts the heart, and robs us of the boldness needed to approach the throne of grace (Ps 66: 18-19). Sin degrades and weakens spiritual sensitivity, making effective prayer difficult.
Looking down on others or belittling those made in God’s image contradicts God’s nature.
6. Lack of Specificity in Prayer: It is possible to pray without clearly presenting our requests to God. Scripture instructs us not to worry, but to make our requests known to God through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. Some believers pray vaguely, without clarity or intent. Their words lack passion and direction. Jesus taught that desire and intention are important in prayer—God wants us to be specific (Mk 11: 24).
7. Doubt: Prayer offered without faith does not compel God to respond. The Bible urges us to ask in faith, without doubting. Doubt makes a person unstable and prevents them from receiving from the Lord. When we doubt God, we question His character and His promises. Doubt leads to unbelief, anxiety, loss of focus, and spiritual hesitation—ultimately hindering our prayers (Jam 1: 6-8).
Prayer is powerful, but it must be aligned with God’s will, rooted in love, offered in faith, and backed by a life that honors Him.
8. Lack of Persistence: Prayer requires perseverance. Some answers are delayed, not denied. When believers give up too quickly, they miss what God is working behind the scenes. Jesus taught the importance of persistence in prayer, encouraging His followers not to lose heart (Lk 18: 1-7).
9. Impatience: Impatience can hinder prayer by pushing us to rush God’s timing. When answers do not come immediately, impatience may lead to frustration, anxiety, or even giving up. God often uses waiting seasons to refine our faith and deepen our trust in Him. Those who wait on the Lord are never wasted (Isaiah 40:31). So,
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.” — Psalm 37:7
Prayer is powerful, but it must be aligned with God’s will, rooted in love, offered in faith, and backed by a life that honors Him. When these conditions are met, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that He hears us and will answer according to His perfect purpose.
