I’m sure you could imagine a million reasons for why prayers may be hindered, but believe it or not one is unhealthy relationships. In 1 Peter 3: 7, Peter is talking to husbands and he says a great deal about the right way that a husband must treat his wife – what God sees as a healthy relationship. The husband/wife relationship is a very special bond where two people before God are joined to be one person – therefore God no longer sees two people but one, therefore if war rages within that couple separating them from one to two, it is unhealthy in God eyes. Peter says and I quote:
“husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life so that nothing will hinder your prayers."
Another scripture that can support this in showing God’s love and response to unity can be found in Psalm 133:
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity… for there the Lord commanded the blessing – life forevermore.”
God loves unity and it is in unity He blessed. If you feel the heavens have shut a cold steel door over you as you pray and it's like God is not listening –can I encourage you to check your relationships, it may be that you need to be reconciled to someone…
Sara Jukes
2004-02-10