Far from my thoughts, vain world, be gone,
Let my religious hours alone:
Fain would my eyes my Saviour see,
I wait a visit. Lord, from Thee.

A Christian must he often alone with God. Our Saviour often withdrew from the multitude, and even from the company of His disciples, that He might commune with
His Heavenly Father. He is our example.
As far as possible have a place where your regular prayers “are wont to be made.”Time will make that place solemn, sacred, and pleasant to you. Though our
Saviour prayed elsewhere, yet, when in Jerusalem, He “was wont” to pass his devotional hours in Gethsemene. He felt the power of locality.

Pray at regular times.
If not seven times a day, like David, Ps. cxix. 164.
At least three times a day, like Daniel, Dan. vi. 10.
If not at length, like Solomon, I Kings viii. 22-53.
At least with brevity, like the Publican, Luke xviii. 13.
If not all night, like Christ, Luke vi. 12
At least evening and morning.

Pray in a reverent position.
Pray in a devout frame of mind.
When alone, pray in an audible voice.
Besides your regular times of devotion, cultivate the
habit of what is called ejaculatory prayer. That is, accustom yourself at all times, and in all places, to lift up your heart to God in brief sighs or sentences. This you can do when you walk, or rest, when you work by day or wake at night, alone or in company. Do this especially when you suspect danger or temptation nigh.
Read the Scriptures with your regular devotions.
When alone sing a hymn with your prayers.
Let self-examination be part of your exercises in the still hour.
Meditate before you pray, and also at proper pauses during your prayer. Meditation is necessary to incite in your heart the spirit of prayer, and to make it devout and hearty.
Pray with a forgiving spirit. “Forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you.”
Pray in faith. “What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Every right prayer is certainly answered, though it may not be at the time you think, nor in the way you desire.
Pray in the name of Jesus. “Whatsoever ye shall ask
in My name, that I will do.”
“No man cometh unto the Father hut by Me.”