Continued prayer provides us grace and strength to face what we need to face. It also teaches us to be persistent in prayer. As well, the bible is very clear on the power of intercessory prayer. As we pray, we are placing our confidence in God and that prayer opens up new avenues, new vistas, where He can do more than He would have done otherwise. Why? Because God is limited by the free will and choices of mankind. But when we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.