Guidance on Prayer

This will be my last post from The Glenstal Book of Prayer. This post is a Benedictine rule providing some guidance on prayer:

If when making suggestions to men in power we do not venture to do so except with humility and deference, how much more ought supplication be made to the Lord, God of all, with all humility and pure devotion. And let us realise that we shall be heard not in much speaking, but in purity of heart, in compunction and tears. And that is why a prayer should be brief and pure, unless perhaps it be prolonged by an inspiration of divine grace.

I don't think this ought to be the final word on prayer, but sometimes our words flow from an empty heart. It may be better at times to prayer fewer words from a fuller, more humble heart.