Our society is one that likes "quick fixes" for everything...the latest fad diet that is guaranteed to be quick and easy. In reality, there is no "quick fix" or "magic pill." Losing weight takes the basic ingredients of exercising more and eating less. When it comes to our spiritual life and prayer, it comes down to the basics too. We will not find those basics in most of the books on the shelves at Barnes & Noble, but in God's Word, the Bible. When we read the Psalms, we learn what David, a man after God's heart, prayed about. His prayers were full of praise and thanksgiving to God for His Word, mercy and law, as well as asking for forgiveness, guidance and deliverance. In an Ambassador Bible Center class, Dr. Don Ward suggests praying with the Psalms. Take the Bible and read a psalm every day in your prayers. It is amazing how this guides you to more fervent prayers. Psalm 119 is especially good when you take eight verses at a time. Another book that can be used in prayer is Proverbs. When it comes to praying for brethren, a prayer list is helpful. A good relationship with the brethren in our congregation also helps us know how to pray specifically for one another. And of course, loving one another (John 15:12) leads to praying for one another. I have found that if I feel my prayers aren't going past the ceiling, I need to be studying more. Bible study brings me closer to God and helps me keep focus and substance in my prayers. What is the key to a good prayer life? There isn't a magic quick fix; it is simply the basics: Bible study, fasting, meditation and obedience to God's law.