To believe that God can reach us and bless us in the ordinary junctures of daily life is the stuff of prayer… But when we pray, genuinely pray, the real condition of our heart is revealed. This is as it should be. This is when God truly begins to work with us. The adventure is just beginning —Richard Foster

1. Prayer should be

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

2. Prayer should be

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. —Hebrews 4:14-16

This is the confidence we have before him: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. —1 John 5:14

Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. —Ephesians 6:11-18

3. Prayer should be

But your iniquities are separating you
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from your God,
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and your sins have hidden his face from you
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so that he does not listen. —Isaiah 59:2

4. Prayer should be

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, —Matthew 5:44

For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? —Matthew 5:46-47