WHY AREN’T MY PRAYERS ANSWERED?

PSALM 66:18; JAMES 4:2-3

OCTOBER 20, 2024

è Blockages to Answered Prayer

1. Regarding iniquity in my heart. (Psalm 66:18)

• Regard; hold onto; continue to pay attention to; hold in place of focus. Excusing, enjoying sin; (i.e. anger, lust,)

2. Failure to Ask. (James 4:2)

• Sometimes, our “asker is broken”

• Negligence; guilt; false view of God’s interest; pre-existing un-belief.

3. Wrong Motives. (James 4:3)

• Primary, hidden motive is “my desire, my way, my time.”

4. Timing.

• God’s calendar and clock are often not the same as ours!

• Due time: (1 Peter 5:6; Galatians 6:9)

• God is working on something greater than my desire, time frame.

è Actions Needed

• Forgive me, Lord, for my failure to ASK! (Matthew 7:7; James 4:2; Philippians 4:6)

• “Examine my heart, Lord! Reveal to me where I am out of line with Your heart, Your plan, and where I am self-absorbed, focused on me!” (Psalm 139:23, 24)

• Grant me Your GRACE (Your favor and ability) to humble myself, to stop demanding my own way. By Your Grace, I will submit my desires and actions to You, Lord! I believe YOU want the BEST for me and I TRUST YOU! (Philippians 4:19; Proverbs 3:5, 6)