What To Do When Your Prayers Are Hindered

November Teaching Letter from Rick Renner

Dear Friends,

Merry Christmas and greetings in Jesus’ precious name! Christ came into this world “in the fullness of time” to redeem mankind from sin and to reconcile us to the Heavenly Father (Galatians 4:4,5). And what a great salvation it was and is that God wrought for us in Christ (see Hebrews 2:3-18)! Denise and I and our family wish you a warm and wonderful Christmas season and the best new year of your life in 2022.

Today I want to talk to you about opportunities and adversaries, but first I want to say thank you for being such a faithful partner with our ministry. As I told you in my letter last month, our ministry is bursting at the seams, and I am so humbled that God would use Denise and me, our family, and our team to minister to the many people who are reaching out to us every day.

Every soul is precious, and it is our heartfelt desire to convey that truth to every person God brings to us — that they are precious to Him and to us. And your gifts are so vital to our ability to touch every one of these treasured souls! So today I want to say a special thank you for all you do with us to take the trusted teaching of the Word of God to people in Russia and all over the world. From the depths of our hearts, Denise and I THANK YOU!

This month is the last month of the year — and I know you are probably preparing for Christmas and many different kinds of gatherings. But in addition to Christmas, it’s also almost 2022. As we come to the end of this year and to the beginning of a brand-new year, the Holy Spirit keeps telling me to “stay on track” with the assignments He has given us. I hear Him saying that even if we hit bumps along the way, everything will be all right if we’ll just stay on track and maintain our God-assigned territory — the many opportunities and assignments He has given us to inspire, strengthen, and equip believers with the sound teaching of the Bible.

But I’ve learned over the years that opportunities and adversaries usually go together — and today I want to encourage you to undergird yourself so that you can stay on track with what God has asked you to do this month and in the coming year.

Over the course of our ministry, we’ve had many great, effectual doors open to us to do the work of the Gospel. I’ll never forget when I received an opportunity to minister on television in the former Soviet Union. It was as if a great door had suddenly swung open to an entire vast territory — a door that had never before been opened for anyone else — and I knew I was experiencing something miraculous. By faith, Denise and I stepped through that door and began to preach the Word of God on television in this spiritually starved corner of the world.

Given the former socialist-communist campaigns against the Gospel in this particular region, this opportunity was as miraculous as the Jordan River dividing for Joshua and the children of Israel. But with this great open door also came a slew of adversaries, specifically dispatched by Satan to instill fear and doubt into my heart. The devil desperately wanted to prevent me from touching the lives of spiritually oppressed people, so he positioned evil people with insidious plans to try to block my view of what God had in store for our ministry.

I’m telling you that it was like the children of Israel looking at the Promised Land from the far side of the Jordan River. From that perspective, they saw only the fruitful land of blessing that lay before them. But once they entered the Promised Land, they had to fight giants of every kind before they could possess that land and enjoy the blessing. In much the same way, if Denise and I had taken our eyes off the Lord during that tumultuous period — or if we had focused only on the problems and forgotten about the fruit we were pursuing for God’s Kingdom — I’m sure we would have backpedaled to get out of the situation!

But we knew this was a God-given opportunity and worth the fight, so we fixed our gaze squarely on the Lord. Girded with the armor of God and the power of the Spirit, we pushed through every obstacle and possessed the ground that God called us to take. As a result, millions of souls began to hear the Gospel for the first time. We knew that only God could have opened this door!

In First Corinthians 16:9, the apostle Paul wrote about the strategic doors of opportunity that open for the Gospel and the adversaries that usually accompany them. He said, “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.” Notice that Paul used the words “great,” “door,” “effectual,” and “is opened” to describe the opportunity that had been set before him.

The word “great” in this verse is translated from the Greek word megale, which means gigantic. The word “door” is the Greek word thura, which typically refers to a door, but in this context, denotes a rare opportunity. The word “effectual” is the Greek word energes, and it depicts something that is powerful and ready to be set into motion. Finally, the phrase “is opened” is the Greek word anoigo, which describes something standing wide open. In other words, the door in question couldn’t be any more open! Thus, an alternate translation of Paul’s words in First Corinthians 16:9 could be rendered, “A gigantic, powerful opportunity is already set in motion and standing wide open….”

Paul continued by saying, “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me….” You see, Paul knew that the particular door he was referring to had never been opened to anyone else, and he stood in awe of the unprecedented opportunity. Walking through these kinds of doors is impossible without divine assistance, and Paul was fully aware of God’s role in the matter. That is why he specified that this door had been opened “unto me.”

Paul’s prayer request in First Corinthians 16:9 was not for a door to open because it had already opened. His prayer request was to receive God’s wisdom to deal with the numerous adversaries who were trying to come against him. Paul used the Greek word antikeimenoi to describe the vast number of “adversaries” that were sent to attack him. This Greek word describes something that was piled high and lying all around him. In other words, he was dealing with more than a few minor opponents. On the contrary, it felt like opposition was stacked high on every side!

I’ve learned that the enemy will try his best to keep you from stepping through the gigantic doors of opportunity God desires to open for you. Satan is afraid of what will happen when “his” territory is invaded by someone fully equipped with a full arsenal of spiritual weapons. So know this: God will open doors for you — but He needs you to make a determined decision that you will walk through them, no matter the opposition, with the help of His Spirit.

By opening the door, God has already done His part, which would have been impossible without His assistance. Now He beckons you to come, dressed in the whole armor of God and in the power of His Word — and proceed through that effectual door into new territory. It may look like enemies are everywhere, but it is simply a fact that the devil and his forces flee and collapse when they are subjected to a show of strong faith!

As I mentioned earlier, many great and effectual doors have been opened to us over the years to do the work of the Gospel. In each case, we knew these doors were unique to us and had never before been opened for anyone else. And just as Paul experienced opposition, there were plenty of enemies that came against us with each opportunity. But because we obeyed God, the devil was forced to move out of the way, and we walked right into the virgin territory that God had opened for our ministry.

Even if you think your situation looks threatening right now, I want to tell you that God is with you. He wants to supernaturally open new doors for you — doors that have never before been opened for you. He is not beckoning you to walk through these doors so you can fail. He is with you every step of the way, and He will empower you to defeat every foe and bring Him glory in that new territory that is yours to possess in Jesus’ name!

Your open door may be an opportunity to shine the light of God’s Word and God’s love to your family or friends during this holiday season. It may be a door that will open to you in the new year. Regardless of when it is or what it is, the same God who opens doors will empower you to walk through them — and then He’ll be right with you to give you the wisdom and strength needed to overcome any giant that tries to meet you on the other side.

I know this is not a typical December, “Christmas-style” letter, but this is what was on my heart to share with you today. I want you to always know that if we can join you in prayer, we would be delighted to do so. To be honest, we are praying for you anyway, but when we are alerted to know exactly “how” to pray, it increases our effectiveness as we pray for you. So if you have a special need, please either call or write to let us know how we can get in agreement with you for God to show Himself mighty to you according to Jeremiah 33:3, which says, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

And please pray for us as we continue marching forward by faith to push back darkness, to shine the light of God’s Word, and to take territory for the Kingdom of God. Together — as partners — we can make a difference in the lives of throngs of people who are crying out to God for help. They are waiting for God to respond to their prayers, and God wants to use us — you and us together — to bring them the answers they desperately need.

But before I close, I want to say we are specifically asking God to do something special for you this month and before the end of the year. I don’t know what it is, but that is what we are praying. We are asking God to do something special that will bless your life! And please, please pray for us as we continue pushing ahead to build our studio in Moscow, to finalize the purchase of our new headquarters in Tulsa, and to continue to minister effectually to every precious soul Jesus brings to us!

Merry Christmas!

We love you and thank God for you!

We are your brother and sister, friends, and partners in Jesus Christ,

Rick and Denise Renner
along with Paul, Philip, and Joel and their families|Dear Friends,

Greetings in Jesus’ powerful and wonderful name!

This morning as I was praying and reading my Bible, I stopped to thank God for YOU and for your friendship and partnership with our ministry. When I call you a partner, I really mean it. You are a huge part of what we are doing — and when we all one day stand before Jesus, you will be richly rewarded for what you have done to help take the trusted teaching of God’s Word to people all over the earth. Denise and I, our family, and our team are willing to do the work, but you provide fuel for the tank that makes it all possible — and for this, I am so, so thankful!

I want to tell you about a special conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma that is coming up in just a few months! I will be participating in the Voice of God conference with Joseph Z on January 16, 17, and 18, 2025. It will be an amazing meeting where we minister to you. We’re asking all who are planning to attend to sign up online free of charge at renner.org. I hope to see some of you there!

This month is election month! So I want to remind you that Revelation 1:5 declares Jesus Christ is the “Prince of the kings of the earth,” which means there is no higher authority than Jesus! Even though Satan is working an evil agenda through those who despise God and His ways, nevertheless God sits on His throne in Heaven and laughs at their plans (see Psalm 2:2-4). In the end, the wicked plans of man will fail, and God will have His way!

Before we dive deep into this letter, I want to share a word from the Lord along this same line that I received in August about this coming season. Actually, it’s a word for right now and for the year 2025. I think it is important to share this with others — especially our God-called partners — so we can properly prepare and not be taken by surprise. The word goes as follows:

A STORM Is Coming —
Batten Down the Hatches!

We are headed into a season of intense warfare on many fronts — economic, political, and spiritual. But the Lord is a Man of War, and He knows exactly how to strategize against and overcome every assault against His people and against His Truth.

But just as one should batten down the hatches in a time of storms, God’s people must be mentally and spiritually prepared for a stormy season that lies directly ahead. However, with the grace of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, the promises of God’s Word, and the weaponry He has given, we can move forward step by step with the strategic guidance of the Holy Spirit. And God will triumphantly lead His people forward and carry out His plans for this end-time age.

This is not a time to fear, moan, or cry, but a time to rejoice, for God is strategically at work even in ways you do not see. Although it may seem the enemy and those he is influencing are attempting to derail God’s purposes, remember that the One who sits in the heavens laughs at their plans, and He will ultimately have them in derision (see Psalm 2:4). God is a Man of War, and in the end, His purposes shall surely prevail!

I pray this word will prepare you for the days ahead and encourage you that we’re on the winning side. Do not be discouraged! Things will get worse, but please take these words to heart — we are not alone in facing whatever comes our way.

Today I want to talk to you about what to do if it seems your prayers are being delayed or hindered. There are certain things that can delay or hinder answers to prayer, such as: praying inconsistently or incorrectly; a lack of faith; a negative confession; bad relationships; spiritual opposition; sin; and even timing. So, of course, we need to make sure we’re making the necessary adjustments according to the Word of God so we can continue in faith, expecting answers to come to us when we pray.

But what about when you’re living and praying correctly, but you still are not seeing answers to your prayer? What should you do? When we find ourselves in that difficult place (which all of us experience from time to time), we must do what Paul tells us in Colossians 4:2.

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving….

The word “continue” in Greek depicts a strong, solid, never-give-up type of leaning toward an object. It pictures one who desires something so passionately that he is pressing toward it or one so devoted to obtaining something that he is busily engaged in activities that will eventually bring it to him. In fact, when Paul writes, “Continue in prayer,” it could be better interpreted as, “Press forward in prayer.”

Paul is urging that when you feel you’ve hit a wall in prayer or that your prayers are delayed or hindered, you must keep pressing into the Spirit and refuse to give up until you have obtained what you are praying for. Some answers come only if you press forward in prayer. So God is urging you here to keep pushing forward in prayer until you see the manifestation of your answer.

The word “prayer” in Colossians 4:2 is also very important. It is translated from a Greek word that depicts a person who is willing to surrender anything in exchange for an answer. Sometimes there is something inside us that God is waiting for us to surrender to Him so we can receive the answer to our prayers. I have personally found that, if I’m experiencing a delay in a prayer being answered, it is good for me to come to the altar of God and ask, “Lord, is there anything I am unaware of inside me that is stopping me from receiving an answer to my prayer? Is there something You are wanting me to surrender to You?”

God is eager to answer our requests! But the fact is at times, there are issues in our lives that block the answers to our prayers. But when we draw close to God in faith and prayer, the Holy Spirit convicts our hearts of the areas that need to be surrendered to Him. When we repent, or turn, the blockages are removed and often the answers then come quickly.

But Paul adds that we must “continue in prayer, and watch….” The word “watch” is from the Greek word gregoreo, which means to be attentive and watchful, and it was used to picture guards that were to stay wide awake on the job. This word “watch” depicts one whose attitude is to never let up on being watchful, to stay wide awake, and to never fall asleep on the job. One expositor has translated it, “…Be wide awake….”

Rather than go to sleep on the job when it comes to praying, it means you need to keep your eyes wide open and keep praying. You’re also to stay attentive with your eyes wide open so you can watch for the answer. Is it possible that you’re expecting it to come one way, but God will answer your prayer in a way you didn’t expect? Keep your eyes open and be attentive so you’ll see when the answer shows up! Remember, you are supposed to press into the Spirit and not give up until you have obtained what you are praying for. So Paul commands us, “Stay awake! Keep your eyes open!”

Once you pray in faith and begin to make the changes God requires of you, Paul goes on to say that we are to “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.…” In Greek, the word “thanksgiving” speaks of an outpouring of thanksgiving from the heart. That means when you engage in aggressive prayer, you also need to lift your voice to thank God in advance for the answer! Thanksgiving is the voice of faith!

So what should you do if you are praying in faith and the answer still hasn’t come? If you have dealt with the points I mentioned previously — praying inconsistently or incorrectly; a lack of faith; a negative confession; bad relationships; spiritual opposition; sin; and timing — it’s time for you to obey Colossians 4:2 and do the following: 1) keep pressing forward in prayer; 2) be willing to make whatever changes God may require of you; 3) keep your eyes wide open for the answer so you don’t fall asleep on the job; and 4) lift your voice in thanksgiving to God even before the answer comes.

Here they are summarized once more:

1. Continue.
2. Surrender.
3. Stay alert!
4. Thank God for the answer!

Thank you for taking time to read my letter this month. This is what was on my heart to minister to you. And remember, if you need prayer for any reason, we would love to pray with you. In Matthew 18:19, Jesus promised, “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” Of course you can pray by yourself, but this verse declares that when we are scripturally in agreement in prayer, God moves mightily. So if you need prayer, please reach out to us at prayer@renner.org or call us at 1-800-742-5593.

Regardless of where you are on the political spectrum, remind yourself this month that Jesus Christ really is the “Prince of the kings of the earth” and that there is no higher authority than Jesus! Also, remember Psalm 2:2-4, which says, “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.”

Again, we can rest assured and be THANKFUL that God sits on His throne in Heaven and laughs at the wicked plans of man that always backfire and fail. God always has His way — so pray into that because it’s true!

Next month, I’ll be writing to you about how to minister to others in the Christmas season. It is a God-given opportunity to reach out to those in need, so please look for my letter!

We love you and thank God for you!

We are your brother and sister, friends, and partners in Jesus Christ,

Rick and Denise Renner
along with Paul, Philip, and Joel Renner and our entire ministry team

P.S. Click here to view the new interactive Ministry Update page or click here to download the printable pdf flyer.

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