Tell him of all the things that he is going to suffer for My sake. He is not going to grit his teeth. He is not going to laugh you to scorn. He is ready to receive your words, for he prayeth. Prayer, then, softens the soul unto the Word of God.
Prayer is a means of grace.
The attitude assumed in prayer as we humble ourselves by God's grace before Him makes us also now receptive unto His Word. If you have prayed, then you will not arise from your prayer agitated. You will not arise from your prayer dissatisfied, fighting with God, unsubmissive. If you do, you have prayed wrong. But true prayer will tend to quiet your soul, break down your resistance, and fit you for a humble walk with God.