What is the significance of the conversation at the end of the novel between Shukhov and Alyosha?

Toward the end of the novel, Shukhov and Alyosha have a
conversation about prayer. Shukhov, though he was just praying, does not see how prayer
can help when one is in a labour camp. He says a "reply doesn't come. Or if it does its
only 'rejected'" (138 of Penguin's 2000 edition). Alyoshka argues that prayer needs
constancy and true faith, which he thinks Shukhov does not
have.

This is a significant passage because it addresses
the religious concerns of the novel, and takes on the themes of hope, freedom, and
religious faith. Earlier on, Shukhov makes it clear that he does not care for organized
religion, and though he does believe in God, he frequently prays and mentally
compliments the Baptists (he says "[they] had got something there" (89)). Alyosha is
championing an appreciation for the little things. He prays for simple things such as
"daily bread" (138) and "for the spirit" (139). Shukhov considers Alyosha's words, and
seems to concede that prayer might help with these small things, but it "doesn't shorten
your stretch" (140) in the camps. Alyosha also has a reponse for this, saying freedom
will choke any faith from you. Shukhov realizes that Alyosha "[is] happy in prison"
(140). He considers if it would be any better out of the camp than in, and perhaps
momentarily sees Alyosha's point. But Shukhov wants freedom, and his
home.

This raises many questions for discussion: Are
freedom and faith at odds in the novel? does hope help or hinder faith? is there an
underlying benefit to the camps, and if so, what does that mean for the Soviet
regime?