Prayers are sometimes delayed or hindered

“If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” (Psalm 66:18 ESV)

There could be many reasons why prayers are delayed or hindered

Daniel 10:11:13 tells how God had answered Daniel’s prayer right away but the answer was delayed by satanic forces for 21 days. In the New Testament we read that the believer's battle is not against flesh and blood; but rather, “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12). The world has always been a wicked place (1st John 5:19). Therefore, we do what old time followers have learned to do, continue to faithfully “pray through”. And we must learn what it is that  hinders prayer and do everything you can to fix things. Over the next few days we will look at things that can hinder or delay prayer and what to do.

Sin, iniquity, doing evil, will hinder prayer

“But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” (Isa. 59:2 ESV)

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12 ESV)

What to do:

 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 ESV)

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14 ESV)

Quotes:

“The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer.” - F.B. Meyer

“Jesus hears us, and in His own good time will give an answer... He may sometimes keep us long waiting...but He will never send us empty away.” - J. C. Ryle