The truth is that sometimes we pray and pray, but nothing changes. We fast. We cry. We repeat the same prayer every day. And still, no sign. No shift. No answer.
It’s hard.
But sometimes, it’s not that God isn’t listening. It could be that there are certain things we’re doing—without even knowing—that are blocking the answers.
God hears all prayers, but there are things that can delay or stop what we’re asking for. If you’ve been wondering why your prayers feel stuck, maybe this will help.
Here are five things you might be doing that are stopping answers to your prayers.
1. You’re holding on to unforgiveness
This one is tough, but it’s real. You can’t hold a grudge in one hand and expect to receive blessings with the other.
When we refuse to forgive others, it clogs the line between us and God. We may not feel it right away, but it builds up. Jesus said in Matthew 6:14-15 that if we don’t forgive others, our own prayers can be affected.
Sometimes the answer to your prayer is ready—but your heart is too heavy to receive it. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it frees you. It clears the way.
Don’t let bitterness be the reason your prayers stay stuck.
2. You’re not obeying what God already told you
Many times, we ask God for new things, but we’ve ignored the last thing He asked us to do.
Maybe He told you to let go of a relationship. Or to take a step of faith. Or to spend more time with Him. But you’ve delayed, avoided, or made excuses.
Obedience matters. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being willing. When God sees that you obey Him in the small things, He trusts you with the bigger ones.
If your prayer life feels blocked, ask yourself: What was the last instruction I received—and did I obey it?
3. You’re praying with wrong motives
Sometimes we pray for something, but deep down, it’s not really for the right reason.
We ask for money—not to help others or live wisely, but just to show off. We ask for promotion—not to serve better, but to feel superior. We ask for certain blessings—not because we’re ready, but because we want to “catch up” with others.
James 4:3 says, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives…”
God looks at the heart. He’s not just listening to your words—He’s watching your why. If your motives are off, the answer may be delayed until your heart is in the right place.
4. You don’t really believe God will do it
Faith matters.
You can say a prayer out loud, but if you don’t believe it deep inside, it’s like planting a seed and then pouring doubt on it every day.
Mark 11:24 says, “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
That belief doesn’t mean shouting or hyping yourself. It just means you trust God—even when it takes time.
Some of us cancel our prayers by worrying all day after praying. That fear chokes the seed.
If you want your prayers to grow, cover them with faith, not doubt.
5. You only pray when you want something
If the only time you talk to someone is when you need help, that relationship won’t grow. It becomes a transaction, not a friendship.
Some of us only pray when there’s trouble. We disappear when things are fine, then run to God when everything falls apart.
God loves us, yes. He is merciful, yes. But He also wants a relationship—not just a request list.
When you talk to God daily, even when nothing is wrong, your prayers become stronger. He begins to trust your voice. And you begin to recognize His.
Don’t wait for a storm before you pray. Build that closeness daily.
Final Words
Prayer is powerful, but sometimes we’re the ones standing in the way of our answers.
Take a moment and check your heart:
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Are you holding grudges?
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Are you ignoring something God asked you to do?
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Are your motives pure?
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Do you believe God can actually do it?
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Are you only praying when life gets hard?
It’s not about guilt. It’s about growth.
God wants to bless you. He wants to answer. But sometimes, He’s waiting for your heart to be ready.
Start there.
He’s listening.
Always.