I have observed a trend amongst believers where most of us wait until there's a problem that requires an immediate solution occurs before we pray. More than 90% of these prayers are unanswered because of our lack of knowledge concerning what prayer is and how its done.

Prayer isn't a religious activity and neither is it a means to an end where anytime you need some help you pray and receive immediate manifestations. Prayer is a communication between us and our Father (God) which is based on the revelation of the word  of God. Human beings are relational in nature and therefore talking/relating with God is also a natural reality for  everyone in Christ.

Jesus said "that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Luke 18:1 KJV ". 

When you study the creation account in Genesis you will see a constant communication between Adam (man) and God, suggesting that God desires this constant communication with us all the time. Its in prayer that we have fellowship with God and puts us in the position to receive various manifestation of His power in our lives. Apostle Paul also says...

 " praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Ephesians 6:18 KJV

In conclusion, when you Wait till you are in trouble to pray, you may be praying out of fear, you pray out of doubt because you may be considering other options and finally you may not have the patience to wait for an answer.  Any prayer prayed out of fear and doubt will not be answered. 

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
James 1:6‭-‬7 KJV.

...Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
Luke 22:40 KJV

DON'T WAIT TO PRAY BUT WAIT IN PRAYER.