Keep a list of people and needs you want to talk to God about. Pray for particular needs and areas each day. In your prayer journal, record the date you began praying for your need or that of a friend. Then record the date it was answered. Learn to celebrate answered prayer.
Praise is closely related to thanksgiving, but there is a difference.
Praise is adoring God for who He is. Thanksgiving is thanking God for what He has done. God is to be praised for His character. He is to be thanked for His actions. Begin your prayer by praising God.