[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III

Train your self to pray for the sake of praying:
Saint Isaac was asked: “How do we learn to pray?” and he answered: “By praying.”
There is no doubt that prayer, like any spiritual activity, “comes down from the Father of lights.“ (James 1:17). Seek it as did the disciples who said: “Lord, teach us to pray.“ (Luke 11:1).
Say to Him: Allow me, O’Lord, to pray, and the sweet seclusion to be with You. Give me the words that I should say and grant me the desire to pray. Grant me love with which to love You and which makes me pray. Grant me warmth in prayer, tears and submission. I do not know how to pray, O’Lord, so teach me how. Grant me the appropriate feelings for prayer. Speak to me, O’Lord, that I may speak with You.