Clear Minded Praying

Something jumped out at me this weekend as I was reading through 1 Peter. In 1 Peter 4:7, Peter writes "Be clear minded and self controlled so you can pray."

Anyone else find that their approach to prayer is generally the opposite?

When my mind is not clear, I pray for wisdom. When I'm out of control or needing self-control, I pray. When I feel clear-minded or self-controlled, I generally skip prayer. I believe the lie that says if I have mental clarity and control of myself, I don't need God's help.

We should pray when we need wisdom or self-control. But according to Peter's instructions, those prayers should be the exceptions in our prayer lives not the rule.