Spiritually Prepared

My daughter woke up crying in the night and I wanted God’s help resolving it, but I was disconnected from God, -- blocked, and struggling to feel the spirit or hear His counsel. I want to avoid this situation in the future! I want to be spiritually prepared to receive God’s direction and help in any situation I encounter. And yet my experience is that my connectedness varies like the water level at the beach. What counsel do you have for me? What is your experience? Please share.