> Prayer is a vital means of communication with God, through which we grow in intimacy with Him, express our dependence, and seek His guidance and will. However, the depth of our communion with God depends not only on how frequently we pray but also on how we approach Him and whether we address any hindrances that might affect our prayers. Let’s explore how reverence and purity in our lives impact our ability to draw closer to God in prayer.
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Approaching God with Reverence and Faith
When we come before God in prayer, we must remember whom we are addressing—the Creator of the universe, the Holy One who is both transcendent and near. Scripture calls us to approach God with both boldness and reverence, recognizing His greatness and our need for humility. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to “come boldly to the throne of grace,” but this boldness is rooted in our faith in Christ’s finished work, not in our own worthiness. At the same time, Ecclesiastes 5:2 warns, “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”
A heart that approaches God with awe and reverence honors His holiness and aligns with Jesus’ teaching in the Lord’s Prayer, which begins with, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9). When we pray, we must not rush past the weightiness of who God is. Acknowledging His majesty and holiness draws us into deeper intimacy and humility, as we are reminded of our dependence on His grace.
Removing Hindrances to Prayer
While God is eager to hear our prayers, the Bible makes it clear that certain attitudes, sins, and relational issues can hinder our prayers. When we remove these barriers, we open the way for more effective communication with our Heavenly Father.
1. Unconfessed Sin
Sin creates a barrier between us and God. Isaiah 59:2 tells us, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” If we harbor known sin in our hearts, it weakens our relationship with God and diminishes the power of our prayers. That’s why confession is essential. First John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” When we come to God with a humble and repentant heart, seeking His forgiveness, the channel of communication is restored, and our prayers are heard.
2. Unforgiveness
Jesus taught that unresolved relational issues could also hinder our prayers. In Mark 11:25, He says, “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Holding grudges or failing to forgive others reflects a heart that is not in harmony with God’s will. Jesus, who has forgiven us of far greater offenses, calls us to forgive those who have wronged us. Until we do, bitterness and unforgiveness can block our prayers from reaching heaven.
3. Doubting God’s Goodness or Power
James 1:6-7 warns us that when we pray, we should “ask in faith with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.” Lack of faith or doubting God’s ability or willingness to answer our prayers can hinder our petitions. Drawing closer to God in prayer means trusting not only in His power to act but also in His goodness to answer according to His will. This is why Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24).
4. Selfish Motives
The motivation behind our prayers matters. James 4:3 tells us, “You ask and do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” Prayer is not a means to satisfy our selfish desires but a way to seek God’s will and align our hearts with His purposes. When we focus our prayers on seeking His glory and the good of others, our hearts are aligned with His, and our prayers are more powerful.
5. Neglecting Others
First Peter 3:7 instructs husbands to “live with your wives in an understanding way…so that your prayers may not be hindered.” This verse highlights that how we treat others, especially those closest to us, affects the effectiveness of our prayers. When we live in disunity or fail to love and care for others, our prayers can be stifled. God cares about the condition of our hearts and our relationships with others as we come before Him.
The Power of Persistent and Humble Prayer
Finally, we must remember that drawing closer to God in prayer requires persistence and humility. Jesus taught in Luke 18:1 that we “ought always to pray and not lose heart.” While God sometimes answers our prayers quickly, there are other times when He calls us to persist, trusting in His timing and wisdom.
Humility is equally essential. Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14 reminds us that the attitude of our hearts matters more than the eloquence of our words. The tax collector, who approached God in brokenness and humility, was the one who “went home justified,” while the proud Pharisee was not heard.
Conclusion
Drawing closer to God in prayer requires approaching Him with reverence, humility, and faith, while removing any hindrances that might block our communication with Him. By confessing sin, forgiving others, trusting in God’s goodness, and aligning our motives with His will, we experience deeper fellowship and greater joy in prayer. As we continue to seek God persistently and humbly, we are assured of His promise: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
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