The proper way to pray in to establish a relationship with God by accepting His Son Jesus Christ. If you do not accept the Lord Jesus Christ, God will not listen to your prayers. Prayers that attracts the attention of God are offered in the name of Jesus. Jesus Christ taught us to ask whatever we are asking in His name. If we ask in the name of Jesus, God will hear us.
When we approach God, we should understand that He is a holy God. God will not behold iniquities. He is a righteous God. Those who come to him must come in righteousness. We should clean our hearts and minds of evil thoughts. We must watch our tongues so that it does not speak evil. We must stop doing what is sinful. The prayers of the sinful is an abomination unto God.
The Bible says that without faith, we cannot please God. So, without faith we cannot receive anything good from God. We should have faith that God is able to do the things that we want Him to do for us.