Challenges to effective intercession.
The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful James 5:13-18.
The implications of these verses are, that righteousness and effective fervent prayer are a potent combination that will produce powerful results such as healing the sick, miracles etc.
As (wo)men however, we face various challenges to righteous living and intense praying ( both private and public).
10 challenges:
1. _Disobedience:_
In Numbers 14, we see how Israel refuses to act in obedience. God assured them He was giving them the land but they opted to follow their instincts based on the report of the spies. In chapters 14:41, they elected to further act presumptiously. Walking in disobedience to God closes doors on our prayers.
2. Impatience:
In Psalms 106:13, the psalmist notes that the children of God soon forgot what God had done and acted based on their own impulses rather than waiting for his counsel. What follows is a catalogue of their unfortunate experiences based on their impatience. We know that those who patiently waiting on the Lord will renew their strength and mount on wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:41).
3. Flesh:
James 4:3 informs us God sees and knows our motives. Wrong motives will lead to unanswered prayers.
4. Doubt:
This stops us from receiving anything from the Lord ( James 1:5-8). The foundation of our prayers should be faith in our Lord Jesus instead of prevailing circumstances.
5. Indifference:
To determine if you are indifferent, you must ask yourself if you are concerned with doing God's will. Indifference will lead to shallow and noisy prayers with no substance. It is not the volume of your prayer that accomplishes much but the state of your heart regarding God's commandments. Romans 3:11, Isaiah 42:20, Mathew 13:15.
6. _Noise_ (Distraction):
Many things fight for our attention at any point in time and on a daily basis. Social media and entertainment have also become a huge source of distraction for believers. When you are in prayers but your mind is elsewhere, that is distraction manifesting itself. The foundation of distraction is generally based on the worries of this life. Philippians 4:8. Let's keep our minds focused on Him who cares for us and is able to save us completely.
7. _Mindset_
What kind of thoughts govern your mind? Is it world or things of the spirit? Romans 8:5-6, 27. A worldly mind will hardly be able to pray in the will of God as its main focus will be the desires of the flesh. Set your mind on things above. Fill your mind with Godly thoughts.
8. _Hidden sin_
It goes without sin that a believer who hides sin will succeed. Proverbs 28:13, Hebrews 4:12-13, Isaiah 59:1-2, 2 Chronicles 7:14. Let us confess our sins and seek God's face for deliverance.
9. _Unforgiveness:_
If you forgive men their sins, God the Father will also forgive you your sins. If you do not forgive men their sins, yours too will not be forgiven. Mathew 6:14-15. Forgive in order to be forgiven.
10. _The_Devil:
He can't really stop our prayers but he makes sure we are distracted, do not forgive, walk in fear, live in a worldly manner, be indifferent and hide our sins. If he can retain us in this state, he knows we will be like empty vessels making a lot of noise. Jesus wants to have an active and relationship with Him. May we overcome and walk victoriously in His name daily.
God bless.
Innocent
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