3/4 Let Us Pray - Overcoming Obstacles in Prayer

Overcoming Obstacles in Prayer

Key Verse: Luke 18:1 – “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

Luke 18:1 NIV

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

Introduction:

Prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have as believers, yet it is also one of the most challenging disciplines to maintain consistently. 

Many Christians struggle with distractions, doubt, and discouragement in their prayer life. 

Have you ever started praying, only to find your mind wandering to your to-do list? 

Or perhaps you’ve prayed earnestly for something, but when answers didn’t come quickly, you felt like giving up? 

But what are the challenges / obstacles we face in prayer?

 How can we overcome them?

Jesus, knowing our struggles, told His disciples a parable to encourage them to always pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1). 

Today, we will explore three common obstacles to prayer and how we can overcome them with biblical truth. 

1- The Obstacle of Distraction – Keeping Focus in Prayer

Scripture: Matthew 6:6 – “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Matthew 6:6 NIV

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

One of the biggest challenges in prayer is distraction—external distractions like phone notifications, noise, or busy schedules, and internal distractions like wandering thoughts, stress, and worries.

2- The Obstacle of Lack of Time

Haste and Distorted Priorities

Many Christians feel that they do not have time to pray, but the issue is not lack of time, but the priority we give to prayer.

Jesus, even though He was the Son of God, set aside specific times to pray (Mark 1:35.

Mark 1:35 NIV

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

The Digital World and Modern Distractions

Today, the excess of information, social media, and entertainment often steal our time with God. 

Social media platforms are designed to be engaging and often addictive, leading to significant time spent on these platforms.

As of 2025, the average global user spends approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes per day on social media platforms.

A study by Rescue Time found that people check their phones an average of 58 times per day, with 30% of those checks occurring during work hours.

Research from the University of California, Irvine, showed that it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to refocus on a task after an interruption, such as checking social media or responding to a notification.

Illustration:

Imagine a father trying to talk to his son, but the son is always looking at his cell phone.

The same thing happens to us and to God when we let distractions dominate us.

How to Overcome It:

Find a Sacred Space: Jesus emphasized the importance of a quiet place for prayer.

Setting aside a dedicated time and space can help you remain focused.

Create a distraction-free environment to pray, as Jesus did when he sought solitary places (Luke 5:16.

Luke 5:16 NIV

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Set aside intentional time for prayer, like Daniel, who prayed three times a day (Daniel 6:10).

Daniel 6:10 NIV

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Write Down Prayers: Keeping a prayer journal can help maintain focus and track God’s faithfulness.

3- The Obstacle of Doubt – Trusting God's Plan

Scripture: James 1:6 – “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

James 1:6 NIV

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Many times, we pray but secretly wonder if God is really listening or if He will answer.

Doubt creeps in when we don’t see immediate results or when circumstances seem to contradict our prayers.

How to Overcome It:

Remember God's Character: He is faithful and sovereign. Even when we don’t see the answer immediately, God is working behind the scenes (Romans 8:28.

Romans 8:28 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Pray with Faith, Not Feelings: Feelings fluctuate, but God’s promises remain constant. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that faith pleases God.

Hebrews 11:6 NIV

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Look at Past Testimonies: Reflecting on past prayers that God has answered can build confidence in His faithfulness.

3. The Obstacle of Discouragement – Persisting in Prayer

Scripture: Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9 NIV

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

One of the biggest reasons people stop praying is discouragement.

When prayers seem unanswered, we may feel like giving up. 

But Jesus encourages persistence in prayer, just like the persistent widow in Luke 18.

Lack of Answers - When God Seems Silent

Often, we pray and do not see immediate answers, which leads us to discouragement.

Abraham waited 25 years for the promise of a son (Genesis 21:1-2, but God was faithful in His timing.

Genesis 21:1–2 NIV

Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.

Quote: “God’s delay is never a denial, but a preparation for something greater.” – Charles Spurgeon.

Perseverance in Prayer

The persistent widow in the parable of Luke 18 kept asking until she received an answer.

Jesus teaches us to ask, seek, and knock (Matthew 7:7

Matthew 7:7 NIV

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Application: Even if the answer is delayed, keep praying and trusting in God’s sovereignty.

How to Overcome It:

Understand God's Timing: God's "delay" is not His "denial." He works according to His perfect will.

Surround Yourself with Prayer Warriors: Being part of a prayer group or community can encourage you to keep going.

Keep Praying Even When You Don’t Feel Like It: Sometimes, obedience in prayer leads to renewed passion for prayer.

Sin and Lack of Communion with God

Sin Interrupts Prayer

Isaiah 59:2 says that our sins separate us from God.

Isaiah 59:2 (NIV)

But your iniquities have separated

you from your God;

your sins have hidden his face from you,

so that he will not hear.

If there is unconfessed sin, our prayer can be hindered (Psalm 66:18.

Psalm 66:18 (NIV)

If I had cherished sin in my heart,

the Lord would not have listened;

Application: Before praying, ask God for forgiveness and cleanse your heart (1 John 1:9.

1 John 1:9 NIV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Prayer Without Faith and a Relationship with God

James 1:6 teaches us that we should pray in faith, without doubting.

James 1:6 NIV

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Prayer is not just a request, but a relationship with God.

Illustration: Just as a marriage needs constant dialogue, our relationship with God also needs daily communion.

Lack of Biblical Knowledge in Prayer

Praying According to God's Will

Many times, we pray for things that are not in line with God's will.

1 John 5:14 says that if we ask according to God's will, He hears us.

1 John 5:14 NIV

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

Application: Base your prayers on the Word, declaring God's promises.

Conclusion – A Call to Consistent Prayer

Overcoming obstacles in prayer requires discipline, faith, and perseverance. Distractions, doubt, and discouragement may try to hinder us, but we have biblical strategies to press forward.

Practical Application:

Set a regular prayer time and space to minimize distractions.

Strengthen your faith by meditating on God's Word and remembering His past faithfulness.

Commit to persistence—even when you don’t see immediate results, trust that God is listening and working.

As we close, let’s remember the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:17— “Pray without ceasing.” God is always listening, always faithful, and always working for our good. Let us not lose heart!

Closing Prayer: "Father, we thank You for the privilege of coming before You in prayer. Strengthen us to overcome distractions, doubt, and discouragement. Teach us to trust in Your timing and to persist in seeking You. May our prayer life grow deeper as we draw closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen."