ROADBLOCKS TO PRAYERS – I

My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning? – Psalm 22:1

REFERENCE:

PSALMS 22:1-5

David cried out to God. It seemed God was far away and not answering his prayers; He appeared out of reach and inaccessible. You may have realized that your prayers do not always get the desired results. Often God responds, and at other times, heaven seems silent, and your prayers do not prevail. Times like this have discouraged people who have given up on praying or on God. Asking questions like, “If God is real and His word is true, why does He not answer me?”  “Why do the heavens seem closed over some, as if a roadblock lies between them and heaven?”

A ‘roadblock’ has a negative connotation; it can be anything that stops or impedes progress and prevents the accomplishment of set objectives. It can be a barricade, barrier, wall, obstacle, or hurdle. In this context, roadblocks imply things that hinder our prayers from being answered; attitudes and behaviors that are obstacles to receiving our desires in prayer. These include:

• Muted Mouths: Sometimes, we keep mute over things we earnestly desire of God. If we do not open our mouths to ask, how do we expect God to open His hands to supply? We have not for we ask not. Jesus instructed us to ASK to receive.
• My Motives: What is the real motive for your prayers? Who does your prayer benefit other than yourself? Why do you seek to appear like a great man of faith? Why are you praying to be the richest in your community? God wants to take the glory when prayer is answered.
• Divine Decision: God in His omniscience and love for us, sometimes does not answer some prayers in the way and manner we desire. He refrains because of wrong timing or for a future good. When you have done all, stand; trust and thank Him, even when you do not see what you have prayed for yet.
• Faith Famine: The absence of faith is the reason why most prayers are not answered. It manifests itself in double-mindedness; when you do not think God will do as He has promised. Your mouth utters prayers, but your heart disbelieves and confesses otherwise. ‘Have faith in God!’ ‘Be it to you according to your faith.’

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL STUDY

James 4:2-3 & James 1:6-8, Matthew 7:7-8

PRAYER POINTS

+ Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes You sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

+ Not my will but Yours be done in every aspect of my life; home, business, dealings, desires, and my service to You.

+ Help me keep my faith up, even when the answer to my prayer is, ‘no answer,’ because Your plans for me are always for good, to give me hope and a future. Thank you Lord!