Surely we must all agree that it is sin in us, and not the unwillingness of Christ to hear, that hinders prayer. Now, unbelief is possibly the greatest hindrance to prayer. Some have not because they ask not. Yet we know that a full hand cannot take Christ's gifts. Our Father . . . give us . . .
Pride prevents prayer, for prayer is a very humbling thing.
Sometimes, when we are insistent, God does give us what we ask, at the expense of our holiness. Again, self asserts itself in criticising others. It is an infallible test. Those who are always criticising others have drifted away from Christ. They may still be His, but have lost His Spirit of love.