Why are my Prayers not Answered? - Part II

  As we continue to look at this subject of unanswered prayers we will also see that our prayers can be hindered by a spirit of unforgiveness in our hearts. Just like we saw how unconfessed sin can drive a wedge between us and our Saviour, so can an attitude of unforgiveness.

Mark 11:25 – “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

  When you are praying and an issue comes up in your mind about another brother or sister that you just cannot forgive, you need to stop in your tracts and get that right with your fellow brethren. God has forgiven us so much in our own personal life that He simply cannot allow us to harbor bitter feelings and a spirit of unforgiveness in our heart toward fellow Christians. God has forgiven us of everything so if we harbor harsh attitudes toward people God has already completely forgiven of everything, we are only hurting ourselves. Bitterness is a solution that will destroy the vessel in which it is carried.

  This is true for all relationships including the marriage relationship.

I Peter 3:7 – “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”

  If you are bitter toward your spouse your prayer life is not going to get very far. It always amazes me how tricky the Devil is. Why is it that an argument would break out between my wife and I on Saturday night right when I needed the Holy Spirit’s power the most so that I could preach Sunday Morning? The Devil knows that if he can sow seeds of unforgiveness in a marriage he can destroy your prayer life. Ultimately such an attitude will also destroy the marriage.

  Be very careful about an unforgiving spirit. I know from experience that this can be much easier said than done. Yet, you must come to grips with the fact that not being a forgiving person is only going to hurt you in the long run, and make your personal prayer life of no affect.