"The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." (Rom 8:26-27)

Besides praying to the Holy Spirit for mercy, one or more of the following ways may help us pray better:

1. Go to Holy Mass. This perfect prayer pleases God most. It includes also the Our Father as taught by Jesus Himself.
2. Go to Confession. At least ask God to forgive you on the spot. You may have to practice unconditional forgiveness of those who have hurt you. There may be some block to clear.
3. You may be giving God a silent treatment. Ask God for the wisdom to see through the muddy situation.
4. Go to a retreat.
5. Join a local prayer group.
6. Improve your sleeping or eating habit.
7. Give God and yourself more time for free and loving personal communication.
8. Pray during the prime time (of your day).
9. Persevere. This may be a test from God.
10. Abandon yourself to God who is not finished with you. Let God carry you.
11. Read a book or two on prayer.
12. You may have spent too much time fixated on a certain grade of prayer. Your spirit may want to go to a different grade.
13. Learn to relax. Take a holiday. Your workaholism is destroying you in every way, including your spiritual life.
14. As the list is endless, you may need to consult an experienced spiritual director, preferably a priest or a religious.