Prayer is immensely helpful. Prayer leads to the realization of his presence. It also enables you to remember him all the time. Sri Ramakrishna will be pleased to help you in many ways. Take me seriously: never lose heart. You have taken refuge in one who is an ocean of love. This love comes naturally, and not because of anything on your part. He has assumed a human form for the good of humanity – not merely for their spiritual well-being, but also for their well-being in relation to animals and to the elements.
(p.276-7, Letters For Spiritual seekers, Swami Shivananda’s letter dt 28 September 1928)