Sins That Hinder Our Prayers

The Bible reveals that sin in a believer's life will hinder their prayers to God. Psalm 66:18 reads, "If I regard iniquity (sin) in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." The Bible also reveals several specific sins that can hinder prayer.

Idolatry is a sin that will hinder our prayers. Anything that we love more than God becomes an idol in our hearts. When idolatry is present in a believer, God won't hear their prayers. The leaders of Israel in Ezekiel's day were guilty of the sin of idolatry. They came to Ezekiel to talk to the Lord. God said, "Son of man, (Ezekiel) these men (leaders of Israel) have set up idols in their hearts and put stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all?" (Ezekiel 14:3)

Idols? T.W. Hunt writes, "almost anything can become an idol - Money, Job, Clothes, Another Person, T.V., Entertainment Pleasure, Leisure Time Activities."

Believer, do you love anything more than God? Ask God to show you any sinful idol in your heart! Confess your sin and receive His forgiveness. Then, your prayers can be heard!

Blessings!
Rex