Please read devotional #30 from Jonah 2:1-2. The devotional points out just how merciful God is toward us, when our own disobedience has taken us to the deep dark depths. We can pray earnestly when our feet are in the stomach acid of a fish and we want out! Only a merciful God would hear the prayer of one so stubborn who would remain in that dark place for three days before praying. The Lord is redemptive, and doesn't want any to perish,not even the stubborn disobedient.
It is one thing to pray earnestly when we are seeking release from a place that we find unpleasant. But, our Lord desires companionship when all is well and we are hearing the song birds singing. Prayer is not just for the difficulties, but for the nearness and love of God.