One year, on Shavuos after Shacharis, the Ropshitzer Rav ztl brought a large Gemara to one of his chassidim, and said, I saw that you said ahavah rabba this morning, and you begged Hashem for Torah. Well, I was in heaven, and I heard that your tefillos were answered. Now start learning.
He was hinting to this person that it isnt enough to pray for Torah. One must also toil in Torah, and acquire the success in Torah that he accomplished with his tefillos.
The Chofetz Chaim ztl told a mashal about a pauper who asked a wealthy person for money. The wealthy man replied, Come to my office, and I will give you a lot of money. But the pauper didnt go to the office. The next day, the pauper finds the wealthy man again, and asks for money.
Why didnt you come to my office yesterday?
The pauper answered that he didnt get around to it.
Come to my office today.
The pauper didnt come.
This happened a few times.
This is what happens when one begs Hashem for Torah, and doesnt follow up by learning Torah afterwards. Perhaps Hashem answered his tefillos, but he never comes to receive what Hashem wants to give him
