Often in discussions of prayer we confuse it with other valid aspects of any life in which prayer is functioning as it ought. And that is not helpful. In fact, it can result in prayer’s being replaced and omitted. We may confuse prayer with special states or activities that, although of some importance, are simply not prayer.

Thus, well-intentioned people wind up not praying at all without even being aware of it. What they do is good. It is just not prayer and does not have the results of prayer.

from The Divine Conspiracy