Not a one-to-one ratio
"It is important to realize that the 'rewiring' work of the Spirit, by which he changes us from the inside out, is a supernatural process that cannot be directly linked to the means of grace (such as prayer and Bible study) in a one-to-one ratio. While these disciplines are important tools for our spiritual maturity, we should not assume that their use automatically or proportionally makes the Holy Spirit work. Were the ratios exact, then legalistic uses of the disciplines of grace would be more pervasive than they already are. Instead, the Spirit seems to respond to humble repentance and dependence on God alone for changing the heart, and then to use the regenerated heart's longing for change to create new pursuits and godly passions (Holiness by Grace, Bryan Chapell, p. 62).
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Aren't we pharisees always looking for cause/effect relationships that can put us in charge of our own spiritual growth?! Perhaps another perspective on this great observation is that the Spirit and the Word continue to do their work at times and places and ways not even remotely connected to our "devotions". Isa. 42:8 "I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." In His grace, He will not allow us to have the credit (glory) for what He alone has done. Ironically, the truly humble seeker is so overwhelmed with his own dependence on God for salvation AND sanctification that he seldom considers it is anything other than God's grace that has wrought the changes. Thanks for sharing that Dan.
Aren't we always looking for a quick fix or formula? We are too impatient to trust an all wise God with teaching us. I am programmed to look for a remedy that provides the quick fix even though it may be like stapleing good apples on a dead apple tree (See Ch. 4 of Instruments In The Redeemers Hands by Paul David Tripp). We dont't want the roots to be fed we just want to look good to others right now!
We've recently had an older man visiting our church services in Boston. He had once studied to be a priest, but dropped out of seminary. In recent discussions with my Pastor, the man clarified one point about the Catholic sacrements that I had been previously unaware of: that it is not in performing the sacrements that a Catholic thinks he gains salvation, but that in each performance, God credits to the worshipper's account, so to speak, the grace to live a righteous life, which in turn gains him salvation. I may still be mixing up the details, but this was news to me. Your post was very timely and articulated an imprtant argument against such a doctrine. Thanks!