“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16 Prayer is powerful, but it’s such a mystery. We’re taught to have faith, to ask earnestly and boldly, to persevere, to be surrendered to His will. Yet God answers prayers in His wisdom not our wishes. His answers whatever they may be are always best. I’m just thankful that God wants to hear our hearts and that no matter the answer, He is still good. Prayer and helplessness are inseparable. Only those who are helpless can truly pray. Prayer is the child’s helpless cry to the Father’s attentive ear.