Learning How to Pray Effectively in 59 Seconds or Less (Part 8)

In the fall of 1989, I was painting a hallway in a motel when a revelation dawned on me: “Maybe some of my problems are due to demons.”

Now, before that moment, I had no doubts about Satan, demons, and the kingdom of darkness being real and alive. I just figured that since I prayed at least three hours per day, studied the word for another hour or two daily, and fasted two days each week that I would have no problems with demons or even Satan. Somehow, I overlooked an important verse.

Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. (1 Thessalonians 2:18)

The Apostle Paul had been saved for fourteen years and had already written his letter to the Galatians when he wrote his first letter to Thessalonians. If Paul, who had the revelation of Christ living in him and received the revelation of the mystery of the Church, was hindered by Satan and demons, what made me think I was immune to such problems?

so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes. (2 Corinthians 2:11)

Yes, I was ignorant and my ignorance has cost me time, effort, and money. Lots of each.

I will write more about spiritual warfare sometime in the future, but for now, you might pray something like this for your own spiritual discernment:

Lord, I ask for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that the eyes of my heart are enlightened. I want to know the immeasurable greatness of Your power which worked in Christ when He was raised from the dead and seated in the heavenly places far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named. (Based on Ephesians 1:17-21)

What are some other hindrances to praying effectively?

(Continued in Part 9)