Does your prayer life need a fresh infusion of focus and intentionality? Oftentimes the state of our prayer life corresponds with the level of spiritual fervor we are experiencing. Join Leslie as this week she uncovers common barriers that keep you from connecting with the Creator of the Universe and how to seek God with an undivided heart in and through passionate prayer.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Intimacy with Christ was never meant to be something that comes and goes with our circumstances or emotions. Rather, it is God’s desire to have a constancy and consistency in our relationship with Him. This is why looking at the barriers, or the things that are standing in our way, from connecting with our Creator on a daily basis is important.
Barrier #1 — A Divided Heart
Key Scriptures: Jeremiahs 29:13; Psalm 86:11; Psalm 16:11
A heart is often divided because of distraction. Remove that which is disrupting your focus when you pray. (I.e. : write down to-do list items, silence cell phone notifications, find a quiet place, etc.)
A heart can also be divided if our affections are torn between spiritual and worldly things. Take a fresh look at how you are spending your time and what you think about most — this will reveal what you are preoccupied with. Make any changes necessary in order to have your affections remain rooted on things above.
Barrier #2 — Unconfessed Sin
Key Scriptures: Psalm 66:18; James 4:17; Matthew 6:15
Key Questions to Determine if You Have Unconfessed Sin:
- Are you allowing habitual sin to remain in your life?
- Do you have unconfessed sin your soul?
- Do you like remaining in your sin?
- Are you avoiding obedience in an area of life?
- Are there areas of your past hat are marked by unforgiveness?
Depending on how you answer these questions, you may need to go through a process of repenting, renouncing, and turning from sin in order to have these areas be rebuilt by Jesus Christ and your fellowship restored.
Barrier #3 — Shame and Guilt
Key Scriptures: Psalm 103:12; John 8:38
The enemy will often try and convince you after you’ve repented of sin that you can’t have an intimate, unhindered walk with Christ. It is key that after we repent of our sins, that we receive His forgiveness that has been promised to us in the Word of God. Get in step with God’s Word and agree with what He says is true — no matter what your feelings may be telling you. Remember: God’s forgiveness isn’t based on our own worthiness but the triumph of the blood of Jesus on the Cross. Memorize key Scriptures that focus on forgiveness and meditate on them often.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The most difficult part to having a thriving prayer life is often just taking the first step and starting to pray! If you feel a desire for a more vibrant prayer life, read powerful books on prayer. A few of my favorites are: E.M. Bounds on Prayer, John Praying Hide, Why Revival Tarries, and Wrestling Prayer.
HELPFUL SCRIPTURES
Romans 12:11
Jeremiah 29:13
Psalm 39:5
resources
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