Well-loved Christian speaker and author Joyce Meyer finds it absolutely amazing that God wants to have a relationship with His people, and this is why she considers prayer a great privilege and not an obligation.
However, people sometimes get confused on how to pray, and their personal turmoil often gets in the way of an effective prayer. Meyer says one of the biggest hindrances to reaching God is doubt.
"Doubt is a common hindrance to answered prayer, and when we experience it, it's usually because we're focusing on us — our weaknesses and mistakes. The key is keeping our focus on God, trusting Him to give us wisdom and discernment so we know what to believe and what to do," she writes in an article for The Christian Post.
Meyer points out that people should trust God's love for them and know that He is merciful and righteous beyond compare. If people refuse to acknowledge that, then they will "struggle to have confidence that He hears our prayers and wants to help us."
"The truth is God knows everything about us — what's right with us and what's wrong with us. He loves us unconditionally and He wants to have a relationship with us and meet every need in our lives. Our imperfections have nothing to do with His ability and willingness to answer our prayers," assures Meyer.
At the same time, Meyer says people should not think God will not correct, teach, or train His people every time they make mistakes.
"Like any parent who loves their children, He disciplines us because He loves us and wants what's best for us. But when we're in trouble, He doesn't decide whether to help us or not based on our performance. His love is unconditional," says Meyer.
People should trust God and His Word no matter how they feel, and they should overcome doubt by putting their faith in Him ahead every time they pray, Meyer says.
