It seems the world is filled with almost insurmountable problems. Life is far from simple, and alone we seem powerless in the face of what appear overwhelmingly powerful political, technological and social forces. Churches continue to empty, large numbers of Christians have no church home, spiritual life is shallow and much of the church struggles to find answers. On top of this, many believers find it difficult to pray because of a deep sense of spiritual failure. Yet, strange as it may seem, we do not express faith in Christ when we do not come to God because of our sinfulness. Rather, our sinfulness is the very reason we should come to God. Perhaps prayer is coming into God's presence so that He can come into ours. For through the Cross, God speaks of hope and a way to wholeness and holiness. And through the Holy Spirit, God speaks of power and victory. In Christ, despite the world's great power to destroy all hope and a sense of personal worth, the lone individual and the local church can yet be powerful, holy and at peace. Author Bio: Jon Adams was born on the east coast of Australia but has spent most of his life in North America. He went to university in Canada, did theology in St. Francis College in Australia and received an MA in Religious Studies from the University of Calgary. He has a wife and married daughter and lives in Vancouver, Canada where, when he is not writing, he dreams of having the time to simply go fishing.