Throughout the last 37 years that I've been walking with the Lord, I could never bring myself to study my Bible or pray religiously -  that is to say, i could not make them a rule, a law that i had to obey. Something i had to do everyday without fail. But having said that, if i get up every morning and the first thing i do is kiss my wife, for example, it becomes a habit, not a rule. It's not something I have to do, it's something i get to do. The difference between a rule and a habit is this --  one comes from the mind, the other from the heart. If your heart is compelling you to spend time with the Lord, whether in Bible study or prayer, because you're in love with Him - this is life! If your mind is compelling you to read your Bible or pray out of a sense of religious duty or obligation-  this is death! It will replace relationship with religion.  It can become a point of pride, especially if you tell others about it. I'm doing a fast! I read my Bible every day! All these things are good, but if done to impress or please God or men, they may avail you nothing. Because the flesh is motivating you. But if done from a motivation to seek Him, to spend time with Him, not just read about Him or even talk to Him but not let Him talk to you, but done out of a genuine love and desire for Him --  they will avail much for He always responds to the voice and touch of His lover - His bride. He attends unto her cry, He responds to her need for Him. He will always satisfy and fulfill the desire of our heart if that desire is Him! Amen and amen!