Any miraculous prayer life I wish to have to transform the world within my sphere of influence must begin with my own prayer of confession and pardon.

For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written:

None is righteous, no, not one;

no one understands;

no one seeks for God.

All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;

no one does good,

not even one."

(and if you haven't caught on yet...this is how bad it is)

"Their throat is an open grave;

they use their tongues to deceive.

The venom of asps is under their lips

Their mouth  is full of curses and bitterness.

Their feet are swift to shed blood;

in their paths are ruin and misery,

and the way of peace they have not known.

There is no fear of God before their eyes."

Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God.  For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

~Romans 3:9-20~

Yes, first in my communication with God I must honestly admit that I am not a law abiding citizen as it pertains to His laws.  It is very important that I understand that Jesus did not abolish the law, but fulfilled it.  I still need the law and I need to love the law....not because it makes me happy or goes along with all of my desires, but for the truth that is shown to me through it....it points out my flaws....it gives me perfect accountability for my works or lack of....basically, it is a constant reminder that my flesh fails and I need that for my pride condition.  This doesn't seem like a good thing, right?  But, it is wonderful when we know that we are not justified by the law and we are not condemned by the law.....we are justified by our faith in Jesus Christ. Our honest relationship with our Heavenly Father begins where we admit we are weak and He is strong.  That is the beginning of a conversation with Him that can go amazing places.  After that is settled, we can talk to Him about specific burdens where we desperately need His strength to move mountains.....and we will see this effectiveness availing much!