Praying out loud, by yourself, is very therapeutic. Especially when there's something you're really struggling with there's an incredible feeling of release that comes with it.

When those prayers get answered, usually not in the way that you'd expect, you learn to do it more often.

Anecdotal, I know, but I've noticed a pattern that the most likely prayers to be answered are the ones where I'm praying for something that God would want for me; help forgiving someone when I can't let it go, breaking a bad habit, being a better husband or father, connecting with someone who needs help and guidance.