Obstacles to Prayer

So far you haven't asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive so that you can be completely happy.

~ John 16:24

Luther notes that we have two obstacles to prayer.

1. The devil prompts us to think that we are not prepared to pray, and we should wait. Then we become distracted by our daily tasks, and we might not get around to it. We could also become distracted by useless thoughts, losing concentration while in prayer.
2. We feel that we are not worthy to pray, and should wait until we have confessed our sin and taken the Lord's supper to feel closer to God while in prayer.

We must know that we can "freely approach God and call on Him", as Luther says.

- becky