A Word on Prayer : A Refresh

I am guilty of not praying like I should. I make time for so many other things in my life but there should be a pocket cut out of my day for spending much needed time with the Lord. One of my goals for this year was to pray more; more so for others. I tend to be selfish with my prayers; focusing all on me and giving an honorable mention, at best, to family, friends and coworkers. And sometimes there are days where I feel like God is not hearing me;  I've been taught that prayer doesn't always come with feelings, but if it seems the Lord is not responding, then I must take a look at myself. The scriptures below help identify short-falls that maybe hindering prayer. Our actions and attitudes may need a check before we hear/see from God.

Unconfessed Sin – Psalm 66: 18. Isaiah 1: 13-15, 59:1-3. John 9:31

Lack of Faith – Mark 6:1-6 (lack of prayer)

Disobedience – Jeremiah 11: 6-14, 14: 10-12. Ezekiel 8:17-18. 1John 3: 21-23

Lack of Transparency – James 5:16

Unforgiveness : Matthew 6:14-15. Mark 11:25

Wrong Motives – James 4:3. Matthew 6:5

Idols – Jeremiah 7: 8-16. Colossians 3:5. Ezekiel 14:3

Disregard for Others – Psalm 33:13. 1Peter 3:8-12. Proverb 21:13. Micah 3:1-4

Disregard for God’s Sovereignty – Matthew 6:9-10. 1Samuel 8:4-18

Unsurrendered Will – Zechariah 7:8-13. 1Peter 3:8-12

Anger – 1Timothy 2:8. Ephesians 4:26-31

Broken Relationships – Matthew 5:23-25

Fear or Worry – Philippians 4:6-7

Distractions – Luke 10:38-42

Apathy for Scripture – Proverb 28:9

Pride – Proverb 6:16-17, 16:5