prayer is...
communication
1 john 5:14
it's the best way to communicate with God. you don't have to have a certain vernacular or anything to speak to Him. in John 15: 4-8, Jesus says "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." abide means "stable and constant existing", or "remain". knowing this, the Lord wants us to remain in His presence and in contact with Him.
a weapon
ephesians 6: 12 - 18
the bible says the weapons of our warfare are not carnal. it also says that we battle not against flesh and blood, but against powers and principalities. this means our main fight is against spirits & demons. however, you definitely need prayer as a weapon to use to fight for your sanity when it comes to dealing with cruel people. it is to help fight emotional battles just as much as spiritual. Lamentations says that when you're troubled, to go into a room alone in the quiet and wait for the Lord's help. the word also says be angry but do not sin, "do not let the sun go down and you are still angry". the word says if you're anxious to bring that to the Lord through prayer and petitioning. "Come to me all ye who are heavy laden, and i will give you rest". And so forth. that's why we have relationship.
not required to be fancy
matthew 6: 5-8
God doesn't require a certain tone or choice of words when praying. Just be genuine and respectful and you're good. (read Job 38, 39 & 40:1-5 and see why I added respectful). In the new testament Jesus says not to pray like the Pharisees, who pray publicly and loudly in the synagogues to be seen and heard, but to go behind a door and speak with the Father in private. Just be genuine and know that the Father is near to the broken hearted, and the beatitudes say blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven". even if it's just laying down in silence and crying or out of pure defeat, (which I do a lot), He holds you in His hands and catches every tear. Psalm 56: 8.
the Lord's prayer
matthew 6 (ESV)
“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."