Hakeemul Ummat Hazrat Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi ra writes:

“Few people want to have their objective (i.e. ta’luq ma’Allah) achieved solely by dua (prayers) and wishful desires. They should understand that the methods for achieving an objective which are a norm for it, they are generally required to attain it.

However, dua puts barakah (blessing) and effectiveness in the means adopted.”

Irfan e Hafiz, At-Takshuf, page 139