Two nuggets from my old church blog archive, both on the subject of prayer:
From the early pages of the Russian spiritual classic, The Way of a Pilgrim:
Many approach prayer with a misunderstanding and think that the preparatory means and acts produce prayer. They do not see that prayer is the source of all good actions and virtues. They look upon the fruits and results of prayer as means and methods and in this way depreciate the power of prayer. This is contrary to Holy Scripture, because St. Paul clearly states that prayer should precede all actions: “First of all, there should be prayers offered” (I Timothy 2:1). The Apostle’s directive indicates that the act of prayer comes first; it comes before everything else.
The Christian is expected to perform many good works, but the act of prayer is fundamental because without prayer it is not possible to do good. Without frequent prayer it is not possible to find one’s way to God, to understand truth, and to crucify the lusts of the flesh. Only fidelity to prayer will lead a person to enlightenment and union with Christ.
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I taught a session on prayer to class of students answering the call to the diaconate. The class included a writing assignment. One of the students wrote about her own prayer life, saying,
“I began to become a ‘friend’ of God. The demands stopped, and God ceased to be a Santa Clause to Martha.”
That’s almost enough to make me think my work here is done!
Recognizing that prayer with Almighty God is more than a matter of handing Him a “to do” list is a huge step in the right direction. If you are in a hurry you’ll barely have time even for giving orders. That kind of communication may work in the military or with employees. It’s no way to run a friendship or a romance.
Deacon Rick 
VERY enlightening and thought provoking. Thanks, Rick