I've enjoyed reading through this, although it is one of those areas where I think the most value is gained from actually doing it, rather than reading or thinking about it! Took almost a year, but one every other day or so is a good pace to work through.
Some cracking quotes as well sprinkled throughout:
"If we do not learn to pray, it will not be for want of instructions and examples. Look at Abraham, taking it upon him to speak unto the Lord for Sodom. Look at Isaac, who goes out to meditate in the field at the eventide. Look at Jacob, as he wrestles until the breaking of the day at the Jabbok. Look at Hannah, as she speaks in her heart. Look at David, as he prevents now the dawning of the day, and now the watches of the night, in a hundred psalms. Look at our Lord. And then, look at Paul, as great in prayer as he is in preaching, or in writing Epistles. No, –if you never learn to pray, it will not be for want of the clearest instructions, and the most shining examples. ~Alexander Whyte
There is a general kind of praying which fails for lack of precision. It is as if a regiment of soldiers should all fire off their guns anywhere. Possibly somebody would be killed, but the majority of the enemy would be missed. ~Charles Spurgeon
Prayer does not fit us for the greater work,
prayer is the greater work.
~Oswald Chambers
My simple exhortation is this: Let us take time this very day to rethink our priorities and how prayer fits in. Make some new resolve. Try some new venture with God. Set a time. Set a place. Choose a portion of Scripture to guide you. Don’t be tyrannized by the press of busy days. We all need midcourse corrections. Make this a day of turning to prayer—for the glory of God and for the fullness of your joy.
~John Piper "