From an Australian pastor-friend:

For many people, praying seems like a cosmic lottery ticket, maybe helpful, but you can’t be too sure. And nobody’s life should be so constantly drastic that praying should become a habit!

But God did not have random rescues in mind when he designed prayer. He invented it so we could develop the positive habit of thinking through everyday opportunities and problems with him, in a natural, deepening relationship that builds our confidence no matter what comes along.

When Jesus’ disciples asked him about learning to pray, he told them:

“Forget about fancy phrases and rituals. Just plug into the fact that God knows you and loves you more than anyone else ever could, and try this for size:

‘Father God, help us to honour your name and character, so that our letting you call the shots for us will help others to discover how available and generous you are. And as they embrace your ways, our world may become more like heaven.

Thank you for supplying enough to live on day by day.

Please help us to trust you with sorting out the mess we make, so we can give you enough room to work on others’ mistakes.

And help us to recognise our personal strengths and limitations, so we don’t get caught up in blame and shame.

You alone will always see the full picture, for you keep our universe in shape, since you have the ultimate control and the strength.

And you are the only one worthy of all this honour.’ “