Jesus says in Matthew 16:24, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." The key to an effectual and fervent prayer life is a 'Surrendered Will." Jesus is our model in prayer, living a surrendered life and seeking only to do those things that pleased the Father, God. We are instructed by our Lord, to live the same type of life...a life fully yielded and surrendered to God.