Above all, pray from your heart. Prayer is the very core of man's life. It is either petitional or, in its wider sense, is inward communication. In either case, the ultimate result is the same. Even when it is petitional, the petition should be for the cleansing and purification of the soul, for freeing it from the layers of ignorance and darkness that envelops it.
Prayer is no mere exercise of words or of the ears, it is no mere repetition of empty formula.
It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart. It must be in clear response to the spirit which hungers for it. Prayer is the only means of bringing orderliness and peace and repose in our daily acts. Take care of the vital things and the other things will take care of themselves. Begin your day with prayer.