The reason for this, even as you indicate above, is that true Christian prayer is very simply reliance upon and implimentation of the Word of God, Jesus. True Christian prayer is the response of the Holy Spirit in communion with the spirit of the saint. All the demons of the cosmos are powerless against the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and true prayer is nothing more that trusting the Word of God and calling upon God by the Word. As Jesus plainly says: No one comes to the Father but through Me.

This is also that which enables the true preacher of the Word to continue against all that bears down upon him. The Word, the Gospel, is the power of God, especially unto salvation. You indicate this and it is worthy of a thundering AMEN!

Hold fast to the Word for yourself, Pastor. Hear what the Lord says in the text. Wrestle with Him until He blesses you with the name of Israel, that is, Jesus. For Jesus is the one who prevails with God for us. Again, even in seeking to preach the Word, it is the Word that the preacher needs for himself, and then to give to others.

Thank for sharing your struggles. They are the same struggles of all who seek to preach the Word in Spirit and in Truth. Thank you also for distinguishing between Father Mackenzie and the true preachers of the Word.