Never are we to imagine prayer as a place of arrival, but simply that needed vehicle which brings us into the covenant blessings of a faithful God, who promises for Christ's sake to do his believing children nothing but good. If we use any means, and expect not the end, it is a sign that we think the means vain to accomplish that end. Another charge that can be leveled against us, too, if we scale not the watchtower scouting for the return of prayer, is that of praying to the gods of the heathen. Always follow prayer with holy expectancy. Prayers without faith are an insult to the attributes of God, and do dishonour to his sacred name.
Prayer can force a passage through iron bars and brazen gates.