Jesus hath many lovers of His heavenly kingdom, but few
bearers of His Cross. He hath many seekers of comfort, but few
of tribulation. He findeth many companions of His table, but
few of His fasting. All desire to rejoice with Him, few are
willing to undergo anything for His sake. Many follow Jesus
that they may eat of His loaves, but few that they may drink of
the cup of His passion. Many are astonished at His miracles,
few follow after the shame of His Cross. Many love Jesus so
long as no adversities happen to them. Many praise Him and
bless Him, so long as they receive any comforts from Him. But
if Jesus hide Himself and withdraw a little while, they fall
either into complaining or into too great dejection of mind.-Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471), Of the Imitation of Christ [1418], Leipzig: Bernhard Tauchnitz, 1877, II.xi, p. 103

Prayer is one of the best and most powerful means of helping forward the cause of Christ in the world. It is a means within the reach of all who have the Spirit of adoption. Not all believers have money to give to missions. Very few have great intellectual gifts, or extensive influence among men. But all believers can pray for the success of the Gospel, and they ought to pray for it daily. Many and marvelous are the answers to prayer which are recorded for our learning in the Bible. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16.)
~ J.C. Ryle Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Luke volume 1, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1986], 345.