I think that for me, the key is that it is not a ritual, it is a relationship. Years ago I was challenged to pick an item that reminded me to think of God. For me it is clouds. When I go walking or just being outside, when I see clouds, it brings me into focus of him. When I look at them I allow myself to be still. I start with hello. I am quiet for a minute, maybe much longer. Sometimes closing my eyes gets me too much into my own head. I try and avoid throwing a shopping list of requests at him. I give myself time for gratitude. I let that expand. I become aware. As I go about my day I try and hold on to those moments and sometimes I see things in a different way. I might be impressed with the need to call someone, or receive a correction on an attitude.
I have had times where I was asked to pray for someone and when praying, started to pray for issues they have not shared with me. Sometimes I see something and share it.
I think one of the more profound times was when I had a dream that my mom told me she had lupus. I had no idea what that was.
When giving a family history to my doctor I mentioned that my mom had lupus, not realizing it was a dream rather than a memory.
I mentioned it to my mom who was horrified. She'd never said that to me. I said that it was a clear memory and realized it for what it was.
Shortly after that I became ill. It took years to diagnose. It was lupus. The dream/vision was about me, not my mom.
I've had several other events like this and I test the living daylights out of them. I would say that this is the impression I have when I pray, or what I saw when I prayed or dreamed, and ask for God's guidance.
So I know I've strayed a bit from your original question but the form is not the important thing, it is to be quiet and not be afraid of silence. Focus and allow that alertness to remain as you go about your day. He is leading, we just have to get out of our own way.