Hi noelsjoy, to me prayer is a very personal thing, it takes many forms, formal as when I seek a private place away from all distractions and speak to Him... usually it's casual, more of a talking to Him during the course of the day at any time with whatever pops in my mind... an urgent request is when, for whatever reason, you cry out to God for help, maybe not even articulated well, He knows. But I think it is extremely important to reach out to God and prayer is the means to do so, we should take every and any concern to Him as much and as often as we feel concerned.
Psalms 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
I believe that pray and meditation is one way we get to know our God... He speaks to us as we speak to Him. I really like to dwelling on God and the work He is doing as much as I can, I prefer that to most other worldly preoccupation that usually comes to mind. When we have our minds on spiritual things, then that crowds out worries, negative thoughts and other worldly matters. It takes a concerted effort to control what you are thinking on and cast out negative thinking and not let it overwhelm you, because it is true that "as he thinks in his heart, so is he" (Pro 23:7).
2Cor 10:5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
mercy, peace and love
Kat