Keep it Simple
A simple honest prayer is better than big words that sound good. Jesus preferred the simple honest prayer of a sinner to a flowery fake prayer from a "righteous person"

Keep it Real
God doesn't want our apologies when we come to him. God wants to know the truth. If we are struggling, or feeling we're failing. He wants to know it. If we're dealing with hard emotions, tell him. Anger, sadness, anxiety are like check engine lights on a car. There is usually under the surface that God can help us get to the bottom of if we're honest.

Keep it Up
Don't stop with one prayer. Prayer is the base of a relationship with God. If you have a good relationship with a friend, I bet you talk with them often. God wants to keep up the conversation. It is often helpful to carve time out of the day where there are no distractions and you can have a real conversation with God about the issues you are facing. We are told that God is our "Wonderful Counselor" (Isaiah 9:6) this time is like making an appointment.

Keep Listening
After you're done telling God the what is on your heart sit in your quiet space and listen. If you don't hear a thought come to your mind. Ask God a question. It can be very helpful to ask God "what do you want me to know" about and "what do you want me to do"

James 1:5 NIV
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

It is not often helpful to ask God why questions, because God's why is often something very hard for us to understand.