Prayer is powerful (Acts 16:25-26, James 5:17-18, Phil 4:6) yet relatively few seem to experience that power. We have been invited to pray (Matt. 7:7). Why then do so few experience the true power that is available to them in going to God in prayer. The answer, in part, lies in the roadblocks that can hinder a Christian's prayers. They hinder their prayers being heard and being answered.

One of those roadblocks is marital problems. Peter says in 1 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.(emp mine pep). Marital problems dampen one's enthusiasm for prayer and discourage God's answering our prayers. Christians need to follow God's instruction regarding marriage and most marital problems will be cured. Ephesians 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Another roadblock to prayer is a lack of faith (James 1:5-8). We need to believe not only in God but also believe that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him diligently (Heb. 11:6). Admittedly, sometimes we do not know what is best for us in every area and circumstance of our lives, however, we must believe that God knows and that He will do what is best. Paul thought it best that his “thorn in the flesh” be removed. God, however, knew what was best for him and the “thorn” remained (2 Cor. 12:7-9).

Often our prayers are hindered by our own selfishness. James says in James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Often people look at God as a benevolent grandfather that is always reaching into his pocket to dole out spare change to his grandchildren. Like grandfathers often do, God overlooks are selfishness and childishness and just delights Himself in doling out blessings according to our every whim and fancy. Of course this is nothing but fiction and is not based upon what we know of God from the Scriptures. Our desire should be for God's rule and reign in our life. Our prayers should reflect this in saying with Jesus “...not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” (Matt 26:39).

Let us see to it that we lay hold of the great power in prayer and that nothing hinders our prayers.