By
Lavon (Petey) Prater
The phone rings incessantly. The kids are vomiting. A friend’s tire is flat, she’ll be delayed for my meeting. My week ran smoothly ‘til this morning, prayer meeting morning. Now chaos reigns and prayer’s derailed.
What
distractions keep you from prayer?
God
tells us: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of
prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying
for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18
Prayer’s a tough discipline with many enemies. A difficult habit to establish. Why?
Prayer’s
a spiritual discipline and must be directed by the Holy Spirit. We learn to
pray by listening and submitting to God. But Self, the natural man in
us, doesn’t want to submit to God, Self wants to lead. “…they did not
submit to God’s righteousness.” Romans 10:3
Satan
and demon powers are also the Christian’s enemies. They attempt to keep us from prayer
because faith filled prayers, spoken in Jesus’ name, release power to defeat
the enemy. Scripture warns us to be watchful of the devil’s distractions. “Be
of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like
a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your
faith...” 1 Peter 5:8,9 Resisting the enemy in Jesus name helps our
prayers succeed. Speak out loud, saying something like this: “Satan and
demon powers, in Jesus’ name I command you will not hinder my prayer time or my
life in Jesus today.”
Heart
Wounds
As
we walk through life hurtful people offend us, creating broken relationships
and heartache. We must ask the Lord to release us from the pain and anger they
cause. He can give grace and love to forgive each person. Until we forgive our
enemies, God can’t hear our prayers or forgive us. “For if you forgive
men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14
Fear
Bring
fear to the Lord. Fear and faith can’t live together, one crowds out the other.
Fear vanishes when faith is exercised. “And without faith it is
impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he
exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 Fear creates doubt and unbelief,
defeating prayer. Faith grows stronger each time we trust the character and
word of God.
Rebellion
Rebels
resist God’s authority. Obedience to God’s sovereignty and word brings his
blessings on our lives, allowing prayer to be heard and answered. “Keep
his decrees and command, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well
with you and your children after you and that you may live long….” Deuteronomy 4:40 “To obey is
better than sacrifice…rebellion is like the sin of divination...” 1 Samuel 15:22,23
Petey Prater writes from Beaverton, OR. peteyprater@yahoo.com