Heard a very nice and inspirational phrase while watching the movie "Evan Almighty". It goes something like this "If someone prays for patience, do you think god gives them patience or the opportunity to be patient. If someone prayed for courage, do you think god gives them courage or the opportunity to be courageous? If someone prays for family to be closer, will god zaps them with a warm feeling or gives them the opportunity to love each other? "

I find this really meaningful and thought provoking. Have you ever prayed or hoped for something but didn't do anything to achieve it? I have and I'm trying to not just think but also do it. Not easy for me(cos I am lazy) but worth a try.