Prayer as Desperation Quote

From an interview with Paul Miller, author of A Praying Life (NavPress), in By Faith (Q1:13). By Faith is a periodical from the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).

In the gospel, because of Jesus' death for us, we are accepted by grace. The only thing we bring to the table is our helplessness. In fact, if we try to bring our goodness, the gospel doesn't work. Prayer works the same way. Jesus tells us to come helpless, "weary and heavy laden." So prayer isn't a discipline but learned desperation. It's not so much a mountain to climb as a valley to fall into. That's something I can do.