Self-confidence towards the things of God for example righteousness is wrong , we need to ask for God's grace. 'for by strength shall no man prevails' 'for the spirit quickenth, the flesh profiteth nothing'. 'abide in me.... without me, you can do nothing' 'now unto him that is able to keep you from falling' 'and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil'
Our confidences should be directed towards God/our confidences should be hinged on obedience to God's words. Jesus said God has always been with him because he does things that please him. '... him that will glory, let him glory only in the Lord'

Prayer must be void of distraction. If you have the opportunity of choosing, choose privacy.

One of the inexhaustible verse of the scripture is Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

You don't use sword or force in the name of religion. You don't retaliate.

Indeed, the arms of flesh fails