True prayer is persistent, and yet it is peaceful and confident. It is a prayer of quiet assurance that does not know stress or strain. With our eyes open to behold "every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies" (Ephesians 1:3), we know that all that the Father has is ours. Nobody and nothing can take away our good.

We are not anxious to "get an answer", because we know that it will surely come in its time, just like the day will follow the night. Things which are natural to us are attracted to us, and nothing can prevent this process.

Prayer is not an emotional appeal to God to do something He forgot to do - it is a spiritual tool to transform our consciousness in order to receive blessings He already has in store for us. Therefore, effective prayer is not a random act - it is a mindset of a person who is constantly attuned to God and to His presence. He/she "prays always", even without speaking a single word. His/her life is a constant prayer.

But does this mean that we can't get anything from God until we become so spiritually mature? Of course, no. We live by grace, and the love of God is freely extended to all people, even to those who seemingly oppose Him. My point is that God's grace and love are not to be taken lightly, as a justification of irresponsible spiritual life. We are called to grow toward perfection in God, and we will remain unfulfilled until we follow this call.

Christ within us is both the call to God's glory and the promise of attainment of this glory.