Which is better: to perform a righteous deed before supplicating to ensure a response, or to supplicate directly?

It is best for the supplicant to offer a righteous deed with a pure intention before making their supplication, because righteous deeds elevate good words (supplications). It has been narrated in a Hadith that whoever has a need should perform ablution, pray two rak'ahs, then praise Allah, send blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and then make the prescribed supplication. Scholars have considered it permissible to act upon a weak Hadith regarding the فضائل الأعمال (virtues of deeds).