​​Welcome  to    Joy By Surprise

The Savior made several amazing promises concerning prayer. A few seem almost too good to be true. But they are true. And yet millions of Christians the world over fail to obtain answers to their prayers. Why? Is the Most High failing to keep His promises? Or have we somewhere along the line misunderstood the mandatory conditions that must be met before meaningful results can be obtained? Obviously the Almighty is not at fault in the matter of unanswered prayer. Why then are so many prayers not answered? The fact is we must look within ourselves to track down the hindrances that so often rob us of the results we desperately seek. This sermon lists seven hindrances to answered prayer. There are others, but in my opinion these are the most common.

YaHuWaH will not answer the prayers of blatant and unrepentant sinners. To be sure He may help anyone in an absolute emergency, by answering spiritual 911 calls for forgiveness and cleansing; but He will not answer subsequent prayers till a believer demonstrates his/her faith by obeying His commandments. Take special note of these verses, because they spell out the first mandatory condition for answered prayer - obedience!

Doubt is a form of unrighteousness, just as faith is a form of righteousness. Doubt is an action of the mind that disbelieves YaHuWaH ; it is the silent mistrust of the Almighty's Word. Doubt is tantamount to calling the Most High a liar! Doubt is a sin of the mind, possibly one of the first sins ever committed.

Of course, doubt is a very human and popular practice. But doubting YaHuWaH and His word is deadly. Doubt is a major obstacle to spiritual progress. Remove doubt and the impossible becomes easy - even commonplace. Yes, doubt is a major hindrance to answered prayer.

In other words, if you do not have the faith to believe in YaHuWaH, and that you will receive what you are asking for, then it is unlikely that you will receive it. The answer to this problem is to go back to square one and sort out your own faith; because therein lies the problem.

Worthless objectives and selfish motives are another cause for unanswered prayer. Believers often ask for what appears - to them - be the right things, but they ask with the wrong motives. Believe it or not, it's quite possible to be totally ignorant of one's own motives; to actually think that you're asking with the right motive, and all the while to be totally wrong! We are all guilty of this error - including me.

YaHuWaH, however, looks upon the heart. He recognizes our motives and His answer is often 'no.' Therefore, if we are to be successful in prayer, we must diligently and constantly examine our own motives; a difficult task I will agree. But failure to carry it out will result in fruitless prayers. Self deception is a common fault.

To be safe and successful always end a prayer request with words such as these:

Many Christians think that to end a prayer with Thy will be done' is wrong. But they are out of touch with Scripture and the example set by the Savior Himself. (Matt.26:42, Luke 22:42)

"Let this thought burn itself into your memory: the more like YAHUSHUA the Messiah a man becomes, the less he will judge other people. It is an infallible test. Those who are always criticizing others have drifted away from Messiah. They may still be his, but they have lost His spirit of love. Beloved reader, if you have a criticizing nature, allow it to dissect yourself and never your neighbor." (The Kneeling Christian page 120)

Criticism is a minor form of hate. It always frustrates prayer. Critics seldom have their prayers answered.

There are certain things the Most High will never do for us humans. They are the things we can do for ourselves. He will not plow our fields, sow our crops nor weed our gardens. These are our duties, our responsibilities and if we do them faithfully He will do His part. He will make things grow and produce the harvest. Thus working together with Him we will receive a bountiful blessing. But we must do our part - however small that part may be; because He will not do it for us.

Note also king Hezekiah's efforts before he prayed for divine assistance. He didn't leave everything to YaHuWaH ; he did what he could - with all his might.

Though secret prayer is a very good thing, there are occasions when we ought to call in the help of other believers. A two or threefold request brings amazing results. Like a petition signed by many folk, or a rope of several strands, a group's prayers often carry more weight than would a solo prayer. Even the Master asked to disciples to watch and pray with him at his time of greatest need.

Ingratitude saddens the heart of the Most High. Indeed ingratitude saddens the heart of anyone who has done something worthwhile for another. We humans are unable to repay YaHuWaH for His amazing sacrifice. But He is not looking for payment. In fact we couldn't pay Him anyway - we're too poor. What the Almighty does expect - and rightfully so - is gratitude, our thankfulness.

Do you often find that your prayers go unanswered? I'm sure you do. I do. We all do: and the fault is usually within ourselves. I trust that this sermon will help you to get it right in the future. Remember that the seven hindrances to answered prayer are:

1. Secret sin
2. Doubt
3. Asking Amiss: for the wrong things or with the wrong motives.
4. Lack of love and a criticizing attitude.
5. Laziness: expecting YaHuWaH to do everything.
6. Not seeking support from fellow Christians and failing to fast.
7. Ingratitude