To answer this question or thought or even give an uneducated opinion. Prayer, what is prayer? Christians are conditioned to believe that God is there as the creator but not only that, but that if you do not choose him that you will suffer the perils of Hell. In the Bible it says pray daily and pray often. Pray as in praise to him not pray as I need, I want, I am lost. Many religions that we see as cults have more dedicated followers because the leaders of these cults know what people that are lost want, so those people do as they are told. When people get in trouble they seek God. When things are going great they should praise God but instead they don't even consider that it may be God allowing things to go good. God does not make things happen he allows them too.
Job for instance was a dedicated follower of God but God allowed the devil to test him. God had faith in his servant enough to let the most evil of all torment him in the test of faith. People today could not stand one day of the torment that Satan could do to them. God is keeping his people safe. People pray when people need something. When was the last time you prayed just to say thanks to God for waking up. Those are the prayers that will reap blessings. God knows you need his help when you need it so if you are following him and praising him you will find that those prayers for need will be unnecessary.
Find a time and a place daily where you can go and talk to God. Find a moment when you can share time with God and the needs that you have instead of waiting for desperation. Planning for those things that do cause turmoil in our life we can have God's support by serving and worshipping. It does not have to be in church or some structured bible study. Just some time when you feel inclined that God would want to have you to share his love for you and his support of you. God knows what you need, He wants you to do as he wishes and let him handle the small stuff. This prayer will help you daily; God thank you for handling todays trials and issues for me today so that I can be a stronger servant. This is the prayer that can change what we pray for. Pray positive not negative because God is aware and in tune with your soul. God wants reinforcement of your failth and if you are asking him to fix a problem he already knows exists than you are telling him you have no faith. So show your faith pray to thank God will do the rest.