God desires to speak to us, guide and direct our lives. He has a plan for us and He also desires to answer our prayers and the deep petitions of our hearts. He has birthed us with purpose, yet often we go off our own way when our heart becomes carnal. James 1:22-23 teaches, "Get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the Word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves; Do what it says."
We must acknowledge the impact of sin on our lives. But the Word also has tremendous impact. It is the Word that possesses the power to save. When willful sin exists in your life, you are not obeying the Word and God will not hear your prayers. It is imperative that inner reflection and confession of sin be a part of our daily prayer to God.
Isaiah 59:2 proclaims, "Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hid his face from you, so he will not hear." God is not obligated to hear your prayers when sin is prevalent in your life. The power of God has set us free from the bondage of sin. Therefore, the Christian no longer practices a life of sin. We must guard our hearts and follow closely after Christ.
The Psalmist shouted, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." (Psalm 66:18) If we truly desire to remove the obstacles that hinder our prayers, we must repent and become obedient to the Word of God. We must flush out the carnality of our heart with the Word. Then, God's ears will be open to our prayers. And the flow of blessings on our life and answers to life's difficulties will be released. I want to walk in God's release of blessing and favor. I want to crucify my carnal heart. I want a new heart that is open to the voice and plan of God.
