This is an interesting question. We must first ask ourselves if the sin we ask for help with is something we secretly still desire in our hearts. The apostle Paul struggled with this also. He tells us, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep doing” (Rom 7:19). Paul constantly prayed for help with his sin, so when we do the same, we are in good company.

Perhaps the best way to identify the problem is to examine the prayer. O. Hallesby offers several suggestions to consider when our prayers are not working. First, God does not need our help to fulfill our prayers.[1] We need to ask and then trust in His response.  Second, we cannot “make use of prayer for the purpose of commanding God to do our bidding.”[2] God does not work this way. Even Jesus knew this when he prayed, “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done” (Lk 22:42). God will answer in His time and in His way. Lastly, we cannot “forget to pray in the name of Jesus.”[3] We must remember that our lives and prayers are meant to bring Glory to God. Jesus tells us, “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (Jn 14:13).

I hope these posts are helpful on your spiritual journey.

Pastor Michael

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[1] Ole Hallesby, Prayer (Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1994), 44.

[2] Ibid., 48.

[3] Ibid., 55.