Be much alone with God. Do not put Him off with a quarter of an hour morning and evening. Take time to get thoroughly acquainted. Converse over everything with Him. Unbosom yourself wholly,—every thought, feeling, wish, plan, doubt,—to Him.
In the arena
God made you for communion with Himself, not just scheduled check-ins. Prayer is not something you fit into a time slot, but rather a posture you carry through the day.
Polished prayers are great, but so are unplanned conversations, the kind you have with Him while driving, while on a walk, while cooking a meal. Lay everything out plainly, the way you would with a friend who already knows everything but wants to hear it from you. Psalm 62:8 says to pour out your heart before Him, and He wants your whole heart.