Prayer abases intellect and pride, crucifies vainglory, and signs our spiritual bankruptcy, and all these are hard for flesh and blood to bear.
E. M. Bounds1

Possibly, much of the flimsy piety of the present day arises from the ease with which men attain to peace and joy in these evangelistic days. We would not judge modern converts, but we certainly prefer that form of spiritual exercise which leads the soul by the way of Weeping-cross, and makes it see its blackness before assuring it that it is "clean every whit." Charles Haddon Spurgeon2

Before we can pray, we must be aware of our shortcomings. We must confess our sins, and confession requires humility.

Unfortunately, the church leadership role sometimes works against humility—despite the fact that the ministry is made up of tasks that must be done humbly. For example, the importance of delivering God's message to spiritually starved people three or four times a week should humble all but the most arrogant of ministers.

Yet effective ...