BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem.
Before making any dua we are thought to 1. Praise ALLAH (SWT) and to thank HIM and show gratitude to HIS RAHMAH.
Example is the first 3 verses of suratul Fatihah, Aayatul Kursy. Laailaaha illaa Anta, Anta Nuurus Samaawaati wal Ard, etc.
2. You then follow that by sending salutations to the Prophet(Salaat Alan Nabi) which is "Allah humma salli alaa muhammad wa-alaa aali muhammad kama sallaita alaa Ibraaheem wa alaa aali Ibraheem inna ka hameed um majeed. Allah hummabarik alaa muhammad wa alaa aali muhammad kamaa baarakta alaa Ibraaheem wa alaa aali Ibraheem inna ka hameed um majeed".
3. Then Make your dua starting from those mentioned in Quran and Sunnah in Arabic like saying Allahummah Ajirnii Minan Naar(Oh Allah Protect me from the hell fire). Then you can use your language to request dua for yourself, family and all Muslims especially me😊.
4. End your dua by another salutations to the Prophet as above then say "Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Aalameen with certainty that ALLAH has answered the dua. The above are recommended format in making dua.
Lets note that our dua doesn't get to ALLAH if we are in constant disobedience to HIM. Its like washing your dirty cloths with urine, wasting your time isn't it? Lets fear the day we will be taking to our grave by our love ones and avoid any sins especially the open ones like boy/girl relationships(zina), displaying our photos on social networks as scholars has ruled that to be haraam and a major sin bcs it is causing lots of fitna (satanic influences) to many of us and many have falling into haraam relationships.
*_We ask ALLAH to forgive our sins and accept our dua_*. Aameen.