God’s desire is to answer every prayer. He has even given us
His Word so we can pray according to His will. Unanswered
prayer is not the result of God’s unwillingness to use His
power, but because of hindrances we allow to overcome us.

The Bible says His eyes look to and fro throughout the earth
to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are
perfect toward Him (2 Chronicles 16:9). When we are aware
of these hindrances and how to avoid them, we will experience
the joy of answered prayer.

Jesus said in Matthew 21:22, “And all things, whatsoever ye
shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” He did not say
that a few things you pray for would come to pass, or that just
a prayer now and then would be answered. Jesus said, “And
all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing….” He
said believing. Then, “…ye shall receive.”

Doubt and Unbelief

Two of the greatest hindrances to the believer’s prayer life
are doubt and unbelief. Though similar, there are differences.
Doubt is the thief of God’s greater blessings. It keeps a man
in a state of separation from Him. Some men doubt there is
a God or doubt He will perform His Word in response to their
prayers. As a result, they do not respond to His Word. This
hinders His power in their behalf.

Doubt comes from ignorance of God’s Word. For example,
many have the idea that God will no longer heal or they think
He is not interested in their financial affairs. Consequently,
their prayers are hindered.

God has given us His Word to keep our minds renewed. It
is through the knowledge of His Word that we can fellowship
with Him, find out His will and act accordingly. For instance, a
man determines that it is God’s will to heal him. When he prays
according to God’s Word, he can be sure God will move in his
behalf. The knowledge of God’s Word expels the force of doubt.

Unbelief is when a man knows there is a God, yet does not
believe His Word. He knows what the Bible says, but he has
chosen to believe what he can see and feel instead. This will
definitely hinder his prayer life.

In order to expel doubt and unbelief, you must make God’s
Word final authority in every matter, not allowing religious
tradition, or what you think about the situation, to be the
deciding factor. Pray according to the will of God and believe
you receive when you pray. God’s Word is His will. He does
not will one thing and say another. God cannot lie. Refuse to
be moved by anything except what God’s Word tells you.
When you pray, expect things to change. God’s Word will
not fail.

Kenneth and Gloria Copeland