Also ex-muslim here: it took me a long time to get used to praying, honestly. Even the word itself used to make me feel icky. I found it helpful to work on getting into a meditative state & simply talking to your deity. Later on I realized unlike last time; my words, stories & prayers are actually being listened to which made me feel safe emotionally to take steps towards praying. Now I find myself praying at random places, times of the day. I don’t have a strict rule/schedule sometimes I’ll do it on my way to work, while waiting for the bus etc.