Op you’ve actually said it all and how it should be because that was the best advice you gave to your friend. You can’t expect manna from heaven when you’ve not shown any effort. We know God answers prayers but our answers will not just come if we are not putting effort to achieve it. For example is just like one seeking for a job without even applying to any company and you just stay in your house praying to God to give you a job without even making effort to apply first.
We should all know God doesn’t reward a lazy man, you must work before you chop.
Tell you what, Christianity has made some people to be so blind and naive to see that things doesn't happen unless they trigger it to happen. Some christian today has refused to get something or look for job or work and be fasting and praying all day and guess what, nothing is really happening I mean there is no change of story in their life and sometimes they changed their beliefs and religion because they feel God doesn't answers prayers while some are still praying fervently yet no answer. Sometimes Christian forgets the scripture that said Faith without work is dead so unless you plant a seed don't expect a harvest there is no magic it is reality so I will advise anyone who is still in this dream to wake up and do what is needed.