The gift of prayer

In my own journey of prayer, I'm finding more and more that prayer can bring about a perspective and peace that I simply can't attain any other way. The reality is... I get anxious or crabby when I'm not talking and listening with God. (So if you interact with me, you should pray that my prayer life is healthy!) It's counterintuitive, however... just when I'm most wound up, the thought "I should slow down and pray" doesn't come naturally! I guess that's one reason being in the "habit" of prayer is so important. What have you found true of prayer?