The tips given below are from a commentary by Greg Koukl, of the Stand to Reason ministries.   

Tips to Improve Your Prayer Life

1. Choose a specific place to pray away from distractions so you can concentrate.

2. Make it part of your regular routine and it will become habit. Write it into your schedule and then treat it just like a daily appointment.

3. Try praying out loud.

4. Make a list to keep track of your prayer needs.

5. Mix it up: Include praise, thanksgiving and singing. Spend some of your time reflecting on the Scripture, digesting its meaning.

6. Keep a prayer journal beginning with the words "Dear Lord" instead of "Dear Diary."

7. Pray one-sentence prayers to get started and move on to the next item without feeling guilty for your brevity.

He adds 7 Things [ you can ] Pray For

1. Pray for the harvest...naming people you hope come to Christ.

2. Pray for national and local leaders of government.

3. Pray that God will open doors for ministry.

4. Pray for those who have mistreated you. Forgive them.

5. Pray to avoid temptation.

6. Pray that your love may abound toward all people.

7. Pray that your whole spirit, mind and body be preserved blameless.

(c) 1995 Gregory Koukl. Reproduction permitted only for non-commercial use. For more information, contact Stand to Reason, www.str.org.