You are right when you say that without the grace of the Lord spiritual practice is of no avail. But if someone sincerely practices sadhana, God’s grace dawns on him. The Lord is omniscient. If one prays to God wholeheartedly, he fulfills every desire. As longing for him increases, his grace is felt more and more. May you have intense yearning for God, that is my prayer to him.
(p.129, Spiritual Treasures, swami Turiyananda’s letter to Bihari Babu dt 25th November 1915)