It is precisely when every earthly hope has been explored
and found wanting, when every possibility of help from earthly
sources has been sought and is not forthcoming, when every
recourse this world offers, moral as well as material, has been
drawn on and explored with no effect, when in the shivering
cold every stick of wood has been thrown on the fire and in the
gathering darkness every glimmer of light has finally flickered
out--it's then that Christ's hand reaches out, sure and firm.
Then Christ's words bring their inexpressible comfort, then his
light shines brightest, abolishing the darkness for ever.- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990), The End of Christendom, W. B. Eerdmans, 1980, p. 56

Prayer is the main secret of success in spiritual business. It moves Him who can move heaven and earth. It brings down the promised aid of the Holy Spirit, without whom the finest sermons, the clearest teaching, and the most diligent labors, are all alike in vain. It is not always those who have the most eminent gifts who are most successful laborers for God. It is generally those who keep up closest communion with Christ and are most constant in prayer.~ J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Mark, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1985], 123.