Hindered Prayers

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord. Many times in life people hurt us… and we hurt people. This may done intentionally, or unintentionally. Even the Bible says in James 3v2 (AMP) that “For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature.” However, one thing God requires of us to do is to forgive. Yes, others hurt us, and we hurt others, but regardless of what happens, we are to forgive. Matthew 6v14-15 (MSG) says “In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.” May you receive God’s grace to forgive all who have hurt you and may God heal every hurt in Jesus name, amen. Another hindrance to prayer happens when a man doesn’t treat his wife well. The Bible says:

Primary Text

“In the same way you married men should live considerately with [your wives], with an intelligent recognition [of the marriage relation], honoring the woman as [physically] the weaker, but [realizing that you] are joint heirs of the grace [God’s unmerited favor] of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered and cut off. [Otherwise you cannot pray effectively.].” 1 Peter 3v7 (AMP)

Husbands, do you find that your prayers don’t seem to be meeting the approval of God? One thing to do is to check the way you have been relating with your wife. Have you been treating her right, and considerately? Remember, the same way Christ died for you, He died for her as well, and God loves each of you tremendously. She as well, is an heir in this grace of life, inscribed in the palm of His hands. It is good to also be knowledgeable about how God will have you treat your wife – read the Bible about it or other good books. Trust in the Lord to help you and not lean on your own understanding on the matter (Proverbs 3v5-6). Honour your wife as being physically weaker to you and delight in her. Remember also, the way you treat your wife, may act as a signal for how others treat her. If you cherish her in your words and actions, it would be difficult for others to disrespect her, but if you disrespect her, you just might find others doing the same.

Supplementary Text

“Even so husbands should love their wives as [being in a sense] their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it, as Christ does the church,” Ephesians 5v28-29 (AMP)

Father, we thank You for Your Word. Father please search our hearts to see if there is unforgiveness, and grant us the grace to forgive and for others to forgive us as well. Please heal hurts, cleanse us from bitterness, strife, malice, jealousies and envies in Jesus name, amen. Please teach and help husbands to treat their wives well in Jesus name, amen.