Let us ponder for a while on the fourth reason that makes our prayers ineffective.

4. Neglecting and disobeying God’s word renders our prayers ineffective.

If we want our prayers to be heard then God’s word must abide in us (John 15:7). Fellowship with God is not possible without abiding in His word. Jesus is the true vine and we are the branches. We are connected to Jesus through His word and the Holy Spirit. God’s word through the Holy Spirit must control our thought and action.

Bible is like a mirror. Mirror is a part of our everyday life. We often look into mirror to check our hair, clothes or appearance and when found untidy, we immediately correct it. Likewise, we must not only listen, read and meditate God’s word but we must obey also. If we are merely listening God’s word and not obeying it, then we are deceiving ourselves (James 1:22-25). We must allow the Holy Spirit to apply the truths of the Scriptures to our life and when convicted of sin, we must repent and turn back to God. After Moses, Joshua was commanded by God to constantly meditate on the law so that he may be careful in obeying everything written in it (Joshua 1:8). Hence, spiritual growth is not possible without obeying the word of God. We show our interest in Jesus Christ and His word, we want to make use of His name and authority, we call upon Him in our prayers but we don’t want to do the things He says because we don’t want to do His will (Luke 6:46).

If we neglect God’s word, God will neglect our prayers (Proverbs 28:9).

If we walk in obedience to God’s commandment, God will answer our prayers (1 John 3:22).