Too Busy Not to Pray by Bill Hybels
Week 5: Chapter 4 — Prayer Busters
Read Chapter 4 of Too Busy Not to Pray. Key passages: Isaiah 59:2; James 4:3; Mark 11:25.
Previewing Week 5 of Too Busy Not to Pray
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 13-week guide when you’re ready.
Hybels gets honest about the things that quietly shut down our prayer lives — and invites us to be equally honest about which of them might be at work in ours.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Hybels identifies several 'prayer busters' — attitudes and behaviors that create interference in our communication with God. Which of the ones he lists surprised you most? Which convicted you most?
2.He discusses unconfessed sin as a major prayer buster, drawing on Isaiah 59:2 ('your iniquities have separated you from your God'). This isn't about earning God's love — so what is the dynamic he is describing? How does unconfessed sin distort or mute our prayer lives?
3.Harboring unforgiveness is another significant prayer buster in this chapter. Jesus links our willingness to forgive others directly to how we approach God (Mark 11:25). Is there anyone you are holding something against right now — even a small grudge? How might that be affecting your access to God in prayer?