5 Signs Your Heavens Are Closed in Prayer (Matthew 18:18)
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“Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 18:18, KJV)
In this verse, Jesus revealed a divine protocol: Heaven responds to Earth. However, if Earth remains inactive, Heaven, despite its unlimited resources, remains at rest. This divine protocol emphasizes the role of priesthood on Earth. Priesthood is giving earthly permission for heavenly intervention.
Closed heavens occur when Earth fails to engage Heaven. This condition is marked by silence in prayer, and termination of other spiritual activities or priestly duties such as worship, fellowship, and more. Without earthly action, the flow of divine resources, power, and intervention halts, creating a spiritual drought.
Psalm 115:16 highlights a profound principle: “The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s: but the earth hath He given to the children of men.” This verse underscores Earth’s responsibility in activating divine operations. Heaven’s resources are never lacking, but they await action from Earth. Persistent prayer and intentional worship are essential to reverse this condition of closed heavens. This post identifies five signs of closed heavens and provides practical steps to reverse this condition.
#1- Stagnation
This is evident when growth halts in all dimensions. Have you noticed that despite fervent efforts, there is no sense of progress or divine breakthrough? Doors of opportunity seem perpetually closed, and favor with people or institutions is elusive. Even ministries or spiritual assignments fail to grow or bear fruit, no matter how much effort is invested. To reverse this, Isaiah 62:1 calls for relentless intercession: “For Zion’s sake I will not hold my peace…” Daily worship reconnects the believer with Heaven’s flow, breaking the chains of stagnation.
#2- Lack of Supernatural Encounters
Genesis 28 provides a striking example: Jacob witnessed angels ascending and descending at Bethel, a location sanctified by Abraham’s altar generations earlier. When altars of prayer and worship are neglected, angelic activity and other supernatural encounters diminish. To reverse this, believers must establish a permanent place of worship in their lives, following the example of Abraham in Genesis 12:7-10.
#3 – Unfulfilled Destinies
Isaiah 66:8 declares, “As soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.” This emphasizes the necessity of spiritual labor. Without travailing prayer, divine purposes remain dormant. The stories of Hannah and Simeon illustrate this principle. Both dedicated their lives to intercession, playing critical roles in ushering the Messiah into the world. Their prayers exemplify how strategic fasting and persistent intercession bring about breakthroughs and fulfillment of destiny. Tarry or travail at the altar of prayer until you carry the answers you seek.
#4 – Chronic Setbacks
When recurring challenges and obstacles hinder progress, it is often a result of spiritual dormancy. Matthew 13:25 warns that while men slept, the enemy sowed tares. This highlights the dangers of spiritual complacency, allowing the enemy to sow discord and hinder advancement. Staying spiritually vigilant and using the authority granted in Matthew 18:18 to bind the enemy’s schemes and lose divine restoration are key steps to overcoming chronic setbacks.
#5 – A lack of revelation
When spiritual insight feels clouded and the Word of God seems distant, it’s an indication that the flow of divine revelation has been obstructed. Revelation flows through open heavens, and when spiritual activity ceases, the voice of God becomes harder to discern. Actively seeking God through prayer and Bible study, as well as praying for the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Scriptures (John 14:26), restores the flow of divine revelation and clarity.
In conclusion, closed heavens are a direct result of Earth’s inactivity. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18:18 empowers believers to take charge, initiating heavenly responses through prayer, worship, and obedience. Recognizing the signs of closed heavens and applying the suggested spiritual principles to reverse them helps believers unlock the continuous flow of divine blessings in their lives. As you engage in persistent prayer, worship, and spiritual vigilance, may your heavens be permanently open, allowing Heaven to act powerfully on your behalf.
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