I've spent the past few days reading What Happens When Women Pray by Evelyn Christenson.  This is such a solid book on prayer and, I think, a must-read for any woman who wants to fully understand how one should pray and the power prayer holds.  You have to keep in mind that the author is writing about an "experiment" she was asked to do back in 1968, so the voice is different, some of the language is old-fashioned, and every time she wants to stress the importance of an incident she makes sure to point out that she "called long distance."  I just got tickled every time a long distance call was mentioned because I don't really think anyone thinks about that anymore -- you know, with cell phones and Internet and e-mail. 

Now, I know HOW to pray, but Evelyn really gave me some fresh insight.  She stresses that we must "draw nigh" to God before we even begin to verbalize or think our prayers.  I have always had a difficult time being still and getting to that place, but I realize without that connection our prayers don't do much.  I think the principle that hit me the most was the need for confession -- of everything.