This was a good book for me because I am (1) very busy and (2) I feel like my prayer life is not very mature. The cover alone intrigued me because I have always wanted to develop my prayer life, but feel like I never have the time. Cheri gives some great suggestions for integrating prayer into your daily routine. For one, she suggested praying while working out. I've started doing this in the past week, and it is amazing how you can pray the whole time! This book helped me to realize that prayer is like having a normal conversation with God and that it is a gift to be able to talk to him - not a duty/obligation. Think about it - how would your best friend from college feel if every time you called her up you just rambled through a list of items to catch up and then never really listened to her, and hung up abruptly. I like to think of talking to God as an enjoyable experience, and it is a time to discuss my worries, fears, anxieties, hopes for the future, cares for friends and family... The list can go on and on!
Another great idea I got from this book is to say five minute prayers for people in the car. You can use "BLESS" - pray for body, labor, emotions, social and spiritual. I've been praying for some key people lately, and they can tell the difference (I think!). It also helps because I always say I'm going to pray for someone, but sometimes it doesn't get done. I also plan to put a notecard on my car visor with a short prayer list on it. I've also started saying a short prayer for people right when I say I am going to - what better time to do it. And usually the other person is eager to accept, and it shows you mean business.
These are great ways to integrate prayer into your life, instead of trying to "make" time for prayer. This is what Paul means by "praying constantly."
I plan to develop my prayer maturity by giving time to listen to God. My mom described it to me as giving quiet time where you are open to listening to God. Imagine you are in a big empty mansion, listening for God. You need to clear your mind and be open to hearing what God has to say. The Bible says "a sheep will recognize his shepherd's voice." I'm not expecting to hear clear distinct words persay, but I have experienced a thought or idea that I don't think came to me all on its own. The more mature your prayer life becomes, the more clearly you can hear God. It makes sense to listen, too. Going back to your friend from college example, I'm sure your friend doesn't want to sit on the line and never get to say one word.
I recommend this book if you are interested in learning more about your prayer life, and it gives great scripture references. I think it is a good book for someone who desires to learn the basics about prayer and to develop a unique prayer life that fits your lifestyle.