Mt 6:7-15
[Jesus said to his disciples,] 7“In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
"This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven,/ hallowed be your name,/ 10your kingdom come,/ your will be done,/ on earth as in heaven./ 11Give us today our daily bread;/ 12and forgive us our debts,/ as we forgive our debtors;/ 13and do not subject us to the final test,/ but deliver us from the evil one./ 14If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”
This is how you are to pray. First, show up. Be there, even if you do not feel inspired to pray or you are tired and sleepy. We need to show up to be at home with our Father in heaven.
Second, shut up. Do not babble, says the Lord. If three-fourths of faith is patience, three-fourths of prayer is listening, quiet listening. Listen to God’s soft whisper within you.
Third, cheer up. Your Father knows what you need, so there is no need to ask. Instead, cheer up and forgive. Be grateful and ask forgiveness. Your prayer will surely be blessed. Be and feel happy in prayer.
So how are you to pray? Just kneel and pray. God is not stingy with his graces!