It is impossible that God should not hear the prayers which with faith are made in Christ, although God giveth not according to the measure, manner, and time which we dictate unto him; he will not be tied. In such sort dealt God with the mother of St. Austin. She prayed to God that her son Austin might be converted, but, as yet, it would not be; then she ran to the learned, entreating them to persuade and advise him thereunto. At last, she propounded unto him a marriage with a Christian virgin, that thereby he might be drawn back, and brought to the Christian faith; but all would not do as yet. But when our Lord God came thereto, he came to purpose, and made of him such an Austin, that he became a great light to the Church. St. James saith, “Pray one for another, for the prayer of the righteous availeth much,” etc. Prayer, said Luther, is a powerful thing; for God hath bound and tied himself thereunto. Christ taught the Lord’s Prayer according to the manner of the Jews—that is, he directed it only to the Father; whereas they that pray in the same manner, are heard for the Son’s sake. This was done because Christ would not be praised before his death. _Of the Power of Prayer_. As the King of Persia, said Luther, laid siege to the city Nasili, the bishop that was therein saw that he was too weak (by man’s help) to defend the city against so mighty a king; wherefore he went upon the wall, lifted up his hands to Heaven, and prayed, in the sight of his enemies. Whereupon immediately the eyes of the horses in the whole army in such sort were pestered with an innumerable multitude of flies stinging them, that with their riders they ran away, and so raised the siege, whereby the city was preserved. In such a manner could God divert the wicked enterprises of the Papists against us, if we would diligently pray. _That a True Christian Prayeth Always_. The prayers of upright Christians are without ceasing; though they pray not always with their mouth, yet their hearts do pray continually, sleeping and waking; for the sigh of a true Christian is a prayer. As the Psalm saith, “Because of the deep sighing of the poor, I will up, saith the Lord,” etc. In like manner a true Christian always carrieth the cross, though he feeleth it not always. _Of the Strength of the Lord’s Prayer_. The Lord’s Prayer, said Luther, bindeth the People together, and knitteth them one to another, insomuch that one prayeth for another, and together one with another; and it is so strong and powerful that it even driveth away the fear of death. OF THE CONFESSION AND CONSTANCY OF THE DOCTRINE. The word and article of justification (how we are justified and saved before God) expelleth and overcometh all sorrow, all perplexities, misfortunes, and adversities; and without this article there is neither help nor advice.