Not just a perfunctory action on a daily or as needed basis. When was the last time you and God had a good talk? No not like "gee I always wondered why my hair was brown or curly!" Speaking of talking, in the spirit? Okay try this one, do you praise God? Really? YES.
Try this one on for size, prayer is not just something that christians do, it is our birthright as christians, so that we may petition directly to our maker. We are told to pray, I know some of you are saying well I do this everyday, great.
But lets look at the act of praying a little more in detail. How do you pray to the Lord? Did you sign praise to him first? God is ever mindful just as we are as parents, watching mindfully over our children, whether near or far, everyday, rain or shine and not just because Doctor Spock said it was a good idea to do this.
Try this the next time your pray; yep prayer actually takes work, and he is listening all the time, so becareful what you ask for, it could be life changing. Take the time to first praise our master. Okay for what you might ask, how about for salvation from our sins, through the shedding of his son's blood. For the ability to come before him, directly without anyone performing on your behalf.
Secondly, talk with him, much like our own parents, he loves our company, I know, why should he listen to me, right? Well because we are all equal heirs in his kingdom, he wants to spend time with you, doesn't matter if you don't understand everything, he understands.
Don't sell yourself short, God has a plan for each and everyone of us, already written. The key is learning how to let go and let him lead us, as a sheppard would to green pastures, still waters. Be at peace with yourself, God needs to know what you are praying for, yes he knows it all already before you speak it, but we still need to ask for it, much the same way we have to ask for forgiveness of our transgressions against him, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Try reciting the Lords own pray before beginning your petitions, I find I am able to focus more on the matter at hand if I center myself with his own words first.