The Primary Hindrance to Prayer

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The lack of faith in God (His power and good intent) that can easily befall the heart, if not also the mind, is the foremost hindrance to prayer. Paradoxically, the lack of belief in prayer’s: efficaciousness, production value, and importance is that which renders prayer unheard and thus unproductive. This can happen merely in terms of what we are truly seeking to love: God (in the Spirit of love) or ourselves (in of course the sinful sense, neglecting our investment in prayer for the interest in its fruits). One should seek humility, which allows us to realize our all-encompassing and desperate need for God, perseverance in prayer, and/or recall a prior experience of God (which allows us to know His goodness and power) in order to overcome our lack of faith (cf. Luke 18:1-8 RSVCE).[1] 

In conclusion, if we think prayer is something we can excel at by trying, then we won't excel at it. It is important to constantly remember for who, for what, and how we exist. If we enter into prayer seeking to get the most out of it or be the best at it, then we are only entering prayer to please ourselves with our own power. We must move beyond ourselves in all things, and especially prayer. To the other extreme, if we enter into prayer passively, without intending to bring anything out of it except to say we do it, then likewise it bears no fruit. In all other aspects of prayer, it remains that we are the limiting factor in receiving God's gifts: love (in broad and particular), mercy, peace, etc. If we find ourselves not blessed it is on us, not God. Even the way we think about our cross(es) brings us the most anguish. Do you do these things? Are you sure?

FN: 

  1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2733, 2742, 2738
Lord let me not deceive myself,
it is you I am made to serve.
What have I to gain except you?
without you what can I do?

Through prayer I encounter You,
yet it is You and not what I do.
Help me receive Your love.

I am a Theology major attending Holy Apostles College and Seminary. I am a Knight of Columbus and a Newman Ambassador for Pius XII Newman Center.

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