The Problem of Prayerlessness

Do you ever feel like not praying? Do you ever feel like prayer is a chore or something I should do but just do not want to? Do you ever forget to pray? Is the idea of prayer not on your mind sometimes?

If so, where does this come from?

I think busyness is one of the causes of prayerlessness. When we allow too many activities, responsibilities and desires to take over our lives, it results in distancing of relationships; with our spouse, children, friends and most importantly Jesus.

Another cause of prayerlessness is the inner drive of independence. We are all born with this natural desire for independence and for not wanting anyone to tell us what we can and cannot do. We need to remember that prayerlessness is our declaration of independence from God.

The invisible yet powerful influence of evil causes us not to pray. When the disciples asked Jesus why they could not cast out the evil in a certain person, Jesus said "this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." Matt17:21  “The devil is not terribly frightened of our human efforts and credentials. But he knows his kingdom will be damaged when we begin to lift up our hearts to God.” Pastor Cymbala

How about the prayer meetings that we have attended that seemed more like a gossip session or a social event or a Christmas wish list.

There are probably more causes of prayerlessness.

One of my Biblical mentors has been the Prophet Samuel. He describes prayerlessness this way. "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you." 1 Sam 12:23

One of the younger brothers of Jesus explains, "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them." James 4:17

Let's admit that prayerlessness is a sin. Let's confess this prayerlessness. Let's ask God to motivate us to pray. Let's ask a close Christian friend or family member to pray with us a few times a week. Let's join our church prayer times on Sunday and Wednesday a few times a month. Let's talk about how God has answered our prayers. Hearing the way Jesus answers our prayers is probably the greatest motivator for me to avoid Jonah chapter 1, Prayerlessness.

Praying for you, with you and over you.
Pastor Chris