The Gita says that which is night to all beings, there the enlightened one, the spiritual seeker is awake. And that which is day for others is darkness to him. The world of mere worldly affairs are like shadows - but very great importance to the spiritual life within. Spirituality must come to our rescue when we need it," he said.
"Do not pray for the fulfillment of your wishes, for they may not accord with the will of God. But pray as you have been taught, saying: Thy will be done in me (cf. Luke 22:42). Always entreat Him in this way - that His will be done. For He desires what is good and profitable for you, whereas you do not always ask for this." - Evagrius Ponticus.
Swami Sarvapriyananda speaks on Evagrius's teachings on prayer.