Prayer Part 5: Obstacles to Prayer (Part 1)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the obstacles that challenge the practice of prayer, beginning with the impact of sin and its separation from God. He discusses how distractions such as relationships, selfish ambition, busyness, frivolous entertainment, and idols can divert attention away from God’s presence. Fr. Matthias also highlights spiritual blindness—being unaware of one’s own sinfulness—and the difficulty of maintaining faith without immediate results. The talk emphasizes the inevitability of dryness in prayer, encouraging perseverance despite a lack of emotional consolation. Using biblical references and examples from saints, he explains the need for discipline and trust in God's timing. This teaching serves as a guide to understanding and overcoming barriers in prayer, preparing listeners to deepen their spiritual life through endurance and awareness.