Is it Him that is out of alignment with me, the reason He doesn't answer our prayer? We don't think so. How do we understand the reasons for unanswered prayer? Exodus 3: He cares, hears and sees. The Lord will renew and revive our hearts and soul. Spirit of condemnation: there is something wrong with me, so He doesn't answer my prayer. Conviction vs condemnation. Conviction leads us back to God, condemnation is self focus.
Four considerations, like following the wires on your stereo system:
1) James 4:1-4 Self indulgence; Wrongly focused on the wrong (my) needs. Our passions are at war within us. But those that live by the Spirit are focused on God's needs.
2) James 4:16-18 Presumptuous attitude. We boast in our arrogance in our prayers; suggestion to God to change His course of action.
3) James 1:8 A double minded heart while praying. I believed that God heard and will answered vs I don't believe he will answer, so I have to act on my own accord. A double minded heart is one that isn't fully there.
4) Matthew 6:11-12 Lords Prayer: Our un-forgiveness of others inhibits our prayers. Is there any un-forgiveness that I need to take care of first?
We need a complete reversal in attitude, and then watch God go to work.
