God does not need our half-hearted murmurings. When people come to the place where they realize that prayer is not an obligation or a rite but something absolutely essential to the life of the soul, hen they will pray. Prayer is not optional, prayer is essential for spiritual life and personal renewal. Indeed, God has not called us to earn his favor. However, prayer is not the means of earning od's favor, prayer is a means of apprehending his favor.
Prayer is like eating or drinking.
Seldom, if ever, have I met anyone that viewed eating and drinking as work. Because first of all eating and drinking are viewed largely as a pleasure in our lives, and secondly because of the benefits eating and drinking provide us. After all, we get to live if we eat and drink. Conversely, if we don't, the alternative is not nearly as attractive. As the church eats and drinks of God's presence through prayer, life happens.