Is righteous action better than prayer in some cases, especially since it is mentioned in the Qur'an and through it a servant attains mercy and enters Paradise?

All good deeds fall under worship, for worship is a comprehensive term for all that Allah loves and is pleased with, in terms of apparent and hidden words and actions. The best way for a servant to draw near to his Lord is by performing what He has made obligatory upon him, as stated in the Hadith Qudsi: "My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory upon him." As for supererogatory acts and good deeds, the best of them are those whose benefit extends to others and are done at the appropriate time. This varies according to times, places, and individuals. Drawing near to Allah through prayer is among the greatest acts of worship, but in some circumstances, it is better for the servant to draw near through good deeds and assisting those in distress, rather than through night prayers (Qiyam al-Layl) and supererogatory prayers. The best in every time and situation is to prioritize Allah's pleasure and to be engaged in the duty, function, and requirement of that specific time.