Prayer cannot take the place of endurance and perseverance.  Prayer may enhance both, and is necessary for the journey.  But at some point you have to start walking and enduring, getting through it and getting beyond it.  There are no push button fixes.  No magic pills.  Life is hard.  Running a race can make your legs throb with pain.  You can get out of breath while climbing your mountain.  There are no spiritual muscles without exertion, prayer and perseverance.

“For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.” Hebrews 10:36 (NRSV)