Some years ago, the Lord showed me a famous quote that said, "Prayer succeeds when all else fails." These words were spoken by a man named E. M. Bounds, a lawyer, army chaplain, and clergyman who was known for his books on prayer. At the time, I was struggling with some bad habits that were hindering my walk with God, and I was feeling hopeless and helpless. Discovering this life-giving quote radically changed my perspective, and filled me with the hope I needed to overcome what I thought was impossible to overcome.

One of the scriptural promises that bolstered my faith during this time was First John 5:14-15 (NIV): "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him." This precious promise gave me the confidence I needed to pray and stand in faith for my deliverance. Didn't the Lord want me free from anything and everything that would hinder me from becoming all that He created me to be? Absolutely. So I could pray for freedom knowing that God was on my side, and that if I just refused to give up, and kept on praying, my victory was assured.

Scripture says, "The desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." (Proverbs 13:4 NIV) The Holy Spirit showed me that if I will be "diligent" in prayer for those things that are my "desires" for myself and my loved ones - healing, salvation, freedom, provision - those desires will be "fully satisfied" by God Himself.

Perhaps you have some deep desires and needs of your own today, and you feel as though you have tried everything, and failed miserably. Take heart, dear one, because God is willing and able to help you. I encourage you to keep praying and believing for those loved ones who have turned their backs on God. Keep praying for those breakthroughs that you and yours desperately need. Keep praying for the fulfillment of those promises and dreams that the Lord has planted in your heart. When all else fails, your prayers WILL succeed!

Prayer: Lord, teach me how to pray prayers that are aligned with Your will and purposes for myself and others. Give me the faith to believe that You want me and my loved ones to be saved, healed, free, and well provided for. Deliver me from all of my fears and doubts, and show me how to pray and stand on Your great and precious promises in every situation and circumstance. Thank You that when all else fails, my prayers WILL succeed!