Topical Bible: Lying: A Hindrance to Prayer

◄ Lying: A Hindrance to Prayer ►

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Lying, as a deliberate act of deception, is consistently condemned throughout the Scriptures. It is not only a moral failing but also a spiritual barrier that can hinder one's relationship with God, particularly in the context of prayer. The Bible presents truth as a fundamental attribute of God's character, and thus, any deviation from truthfulness is seen as a serious offense.

Biblical Condemnation of Lying

The Bible explicitly condemns lying in numerous passages. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This verse highlights the stark contrast between deceit and faithfulness, emphasizing that God takes pleasure in truthfulness. Similarly, in the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:16 instructs, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor," underscoring the importance of honesty in human relationships.

Lying as a Barrier to Prayer

Lying creates a barrier between the believer and God, as it is contrary to His nature. Psalm 66:18 declares, "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." This verse suggests that harboring sin, such as deceit, can obstruct one's prayers. The act of lying indicates a heart that is not fully aligned with God's will, thereby hindering effective communication with Him.

The Call to Truthfulness

The New Testament reinforces the call to truthfulness as essential for a life pleasing to God. Ephesians 4:25 exhorts believers, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." This call to honesty is not only about interpersonal relationships but also about maintaining integrity before God.

The Example of Jesus

Jesus Christ, as the embodiment of truth, provides the ultimate example for believers. In John 14:6 , Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life." His life and teachings consistently reflect the importance of truth, and His followers are called to emulate this attribute. Lying, therefore, is not only a personal failing but a failure to reflect the character of Christ.

Repentance and Restoration

For those who have fallen into the sin of lying, the Bible offers a path to restoration through repentance. 1 John 1:9 assures believers, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Confession and repentance restore the believer's relationship with God, removing the barriers that hinder prayer.

Conclusion

Lying is a significant hindrance to prayer, as it contradicts the nature of God and disrupts the believer's fellowship with Him. The Scriptures call for a life of truthfulness, reflecting the character of Christ and ensuring open communication with the Father. Through repentance, believers can overcome this barrier and restore their relationship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 59:2,3
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
... For it sometimes happens that prayer made for another does not avail even though ...
man's salvation; and this is because of the existence of some hindrance on the ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/question lxxxiii of prayer.htm

Answers to Prayer
... I found him lying under his wagon ... A PRAYER FOR A WIFE ... and that, in a matter of so
much importance to me and others, I might meet with success or hindrance, as my ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm

Preparation for Service
... unmistakably the story of slow starvation; and lying on a ... How I got through that
form of prayer I know ... anything and feel it then, and the hindrance to blessing ...
/.../taylor/a retrospect/chapter iii preparation for service.htm

Visions, Revelations, and Locutions.
... 1. One day, in prayer, the sweetness of which was so ... that I could rise above every
possible hindrance put in my ... hadst given me a natural hatred of lying yet I ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xl visions revelations and.htm

(On the Passion, vii. )
... For only in body was he lying there with those ... all times, shows that He puts no
hindrance in the ... the Redeemer's glory, and adding lastly that prayer in which ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lviii on the passion.htm

Letter Xcix. To Count Terentius.
... say the same thing, we rose up to go to prayer. ... from mentioning them, lest there
arise any hindrance to the ... found them to be started by the lying slanders of ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter xcix to count terentius.htm

Acts xii. 1, 2
... look into the house, thou wilt see all lying as it ... she is the only woman there, that
this is any hindrance. ... them stay for the first or second prayer, and then ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxvi acts xii 1.htm

The Two Guards, Praying and Watching
... What hindrance lies in your way? ... with my text ringing in your ears, "We made our
prayer unto our ... to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, which had been lying in ruins ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the two guards praying and.htm

With the Rev. William Burns
... tried and disappointed by this unexpected hindrance, I reluctantly ... I engaged in prayer,
and the greatest decorum was ... to the place where one of them was lying. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter xi with the rev.htm

Work
... "Dear children, be sure it is not your work that is the hindrance, but your discontent,
and the want of a ... Why is my prayer-book lying idle on the shelf?'. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bevan/three friends of god/chapter xx work.htm