By Martyn Ballestero

The Holy Scriptures screams the need for us all to pray. The Apostle Paul even said for us to “Pray without ceasing.” (I Thessalonians 5:17). Every pastor encourages all of his listeners to pray. I certainly agree with the admonition.
Well, I’ve agreed until I read these two biblical passages. Yes, we know that God is a prayer answering God!

• He specializes in responding to our
• needs.
• He specializes in healing our bodies and saving our souls.
• He will hear a sinner’s prayer of repentance.
• He answers all prayers for deliverance and salvation.
• He encourages us to just ask, and He says, it shall be given.

But, there are at least two times when the Lord tells us when it won’t do any good to pray! Yes, you read that last sentence right!

1. When Corrupt Children Of God Pray.

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2).

Those who think they can continually gratify their fleshly lusts and ignore God in the process may find out that, God is not in the listening mood.

2. When The Husband Who Mistreats His Wife Tries To Pray.

“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.” (1 Peter 3:7).

The Greek word for “hindered” is “ekkopto” which means: Cut off, hewn down, cut down, cut out, to be hindered.

The Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary New Century Version explains 1 Peter 3:7 as: “.,.do this so that nothing will stop your prayers.”

The Message Bible says “…so your prayers don’t run aground.” (1 Peter 3:7)

When a man does not dwell with his with wife according to the biblical and intimate term… ‘knowledge’, then God immediately puts a stop order on his every prayer request.

Every husband must show his wife honor and respect her at all times. If he doesn’t, there is no need for him to bother praying. God already has said He chooses not to listen to that man when he prays. No matter who he is.

A man who abandons his wife and family needs to remember that the only prayer God will entertain from him is one of true and complete repentance. He also owes the same re-
pentance to his wife and
family.
Please don’t make God place a ‘Do Not Answer” stamp on your prayer request.
The above article, “Don’t Bother Praying!” is written by Martyn Ballestero. The article was excerpted from Oklahoma District Beacon.

The material is copyrighted and should not be reprinted under any other name or author. However, this material may be freely used for personal study or research purposes.