At times of distress some challenge the existence of God, and sadly when troubled do not seek to be close to him. Prayer is the way that man communicates with God and is essential should we truly desire a relationship with him.
The Bible and the experience of believers demonstrate beyond doubt that God does answer prayer, but the first step is for mankind to pray. This Bible Fact is beyond doubt; "Men ought always to pray and not faint" (Lk 18:1), "Pray without ceasing" (1Thes 5:17), and "In everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known unto God." (Phil 4:6). Also, not to pray, we read, is sin; "God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you." (1Sam 12:23).
It is really important that our communication with God is based on an understanding of him, and such insight only comes from a Bible based belief. From scripture it is also seen that sometimes God's answer differs from the request, which is why a believer must pray and have faith that it is "God's will, that will be done." Jesus, who is the greatest example of one who communicated fully with his Father understood that sometimes what we want is not the will of God. "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." (Lk 22:42)
The Psalms are full of Godly communications and demonstrate clearly that we can be close to our Heavenly Father, and with such a relationship the follower will experience many blessings that come from a trust in God.
Remember - "Pray without ceasing!"
If you feel far from God, it is you that has moved away from him!