I took Catechism in Catholic school, and I was taught that there are four kinds of prayer: Supplication (asking for some favor), Penance (asking forgiveness for sins), Praise, and Gratitude. Of these, I think gratitude is the most important. We can't take even a single moment for granted. Everything is a gift. And somehow, remembering to be grateful helps to put our trials and difficulties into perspective. The problem is that, when I most need to say a prayer of thanks, it often is the last thing I remember.
I used to take a lot for granted in my younger years and was very ungrateful. I now am grateful to God for every single breath I take and for every moment I have with my family. I have received far more than I have ever deserved that is for sure.