Prayer is an indispensable part of both the Christian life and the church life. There is much more to it than simply petitioning God for the things we want even though that is an important aspect of both our individual and corporate prayer. So, to answer the last question first, we encourage asking God for specific things and people. How else can one gain the encouragement and strengthening of one's faith that comes from seeing God answer your prayer?
Prayer is crucial both to our relationship with God and to His move on the earth. Thus there are too many important principles and aspects related to prayer to cover in a brief note. In this note I will only provide a sketch of our practices without attempting to touch other aspects of this important subject. We encourage three kinds of prayer on an individual level. The kind that would be most familiar is to pray to God for people, events, needs, concerns, etc. Besides praying to God whenever one is aware of a need, we encourage the saints to have a specific time each day to pray consistently in this way. In addition, we encourage everyone to spend another time each day, not to ask God for things, but simply to open one's heart to Him and spend time with Him. In this time one can pray using a few verses, sing, call on the Lord's name, etc. This is for building a personal relationship with the Lord and for nourishing our spiritual life. Finally, we encourage talking inwardly to the Lord all day long, involving Him in all aspects of your life. This is to pray without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:17).
We do have a prayer meeting each week where, in addition to praying for specific people and needs, we strive to stand with God for His interest and move on the earth. We feel that it is important for the church not just to care for people but to declare its stand with God and against His enemy. Prayer is a normal part of our meetings, especially our home and small group meetings. Also, when we serve together (which we consider the preferred way to take care of the practical needs), we encourage the saints not to simply work to get things done, but to spend time to pray and go over some material together as well.
Finally, we do not use a prayer book or anything prepared ahead of time for any of our prayer. We believe that prayer should come from one's heart, not merely from one's lips.