The end of all things is at hand;
therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
– 1 Peter 4:7

This verse suggests two necessary ingredients for prayer. 

First, we must be self-controlled.  We must exercise the self-control to manage our time in such a way that we make much time for prayer.  Projects, chores, and obligations call to us constantly.  We have so much to do!  Only with self-control, will we take the time to pray.

Second, we need to be sober-minded.  We need to have clear minds to see things as they are.  The end is near.  Christ is coming back.  Some things have greater priority than others in our limited time.  What is more, we can do nothing on our own.  All those projects, chores, and obligations require God’s blessing, God’s enablement, God’s strength.  When we soberly recognize our necessary priorities and our need for help in all we do, we will take time to pray.