Hindrances to Prayer: Misunderstanding Righteousness and the New Creation Reality

Daily Grace Devotional – September 2, 2025

Anchor Scriptures

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)

Introduction

One of the most subtle yet powerful hindrances to effective prayer and unwavering faith is a believer’s lack of understanding of righteousness and their identity as a new creation in Christ. Many pray from a position of guilt, condemnation, or unworthiness, hoping to persuade God rather than confidently receiving what His grace has already provided. Without a revelation of righteousness, prayer becomes a ritual rather than a confident transaction with a Father who delights in hearing and answering His children.

1. Misunderstanding Righteousness – A Barrier to Boldness

Righteousness Defined: Righteousness is not moral perfection attained through human effort but a divine gift that places a believer in right standing with God through Christ.

Scriptural Basis:

Romans 3:22 – “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe.”

Isaiah 54:14 – “In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear.”

Many believers still carry a sin-conscious mindset, constantly rehearsing past failures and present shortcomings. This mindset leads to weak prayers, fear of rejection, and doubt in God’s willingness to answer.

2. The New Creation Reality – A Forgotten Truth

When a person is born again, they do not merely receive forgiveness; they become a completely new being in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). The old sinful nature is crucified, and the believer now possesses the very life and nature of God (Ephesians 4:24).

Why This Matters in Prayer:

A believer who sees themselves as a forgiven sinner will approach God timidly.

A believer who knows they are the righteousness of God in Christ will approach God as a son or daughter, not a beggar.

3. Condemnation: The Silent Killer of Faith

Condemnation and guilt silence the prayer life of many. Satan, the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10), thrives on keeping believers sin-conscious so they feel unworthy of divine help.

Romans 8:1 declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…”

Condemnation destroys confidence (1 John 3:21-22) and breeds unbelief, making effective prayer almost impossible.

4. Prayer Flows from Identity, Not Struggle

Faith works when believers see themselves as God sees them – holy, blameless, and accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6). Prayer is not about pleading for God to do what He is reluctant to do; it is about enforcing what Christ has already accomplished.

Praying as a New Creation:

Pray from a place of authority (Luke 10:19).

Pray with assurance of access (Hebrews 4:16).

Pray with thanksgiving, knowing God has already made provision (Philippians 4:6-7).

5. Practical Ways to Overcome This Hindrance
6. Renew Your Mind with the Word of Righteousness (Romans 12:2).
7. Confess Your New Creation Reality Daily (Philemon 1:6).
8. Refuse Condemnation – if you stumble, repent quickly, but don’t dwell in guilt (1 John 1:9).
9. Approach Prayer with Boldness and Gratitude, not fear and self-pity. Conclusion

The lack of understanding of righteousness and the new creation reality keeps many believers bound in powerless prayers. But when revelation comes, confidence is restored, faith comes alive, and prayers become powerful, effective, and fruitful.

Prayer of Affirmation

Father, I thank You that I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. I am a new creation – old things have passed away. I come boldly to Your throne, knowing that I am loved, accepted, and empowered to receive answers to my prayers. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
© Jeremiah Owofio