This is an amazing topic indeed because most times it seems to us that all our supplications and prayers to God are not been answered but where we have failed to follow up what comes after praying.
Now praying only unto God does not all draws us closer to God. God's word made us to understand that as many who draws closer to him will be also draws closer to, that is why we must not only focus on praying as the only thing which can draw us closer to God.
We must also focus on doing the word of God that which is written in God word, dwelling and abiding to the teachings of God and us not diverting to our own path which might seem right to our eyes
When we prays let's us also be seen as listeners of God word always dwelling in the house and God and humbly opening our heart for God to come in and take control over our life.
Amen
Pictures are mine