Why self-examination is important!!!

No, this is not about breast cancer although that is an important type of self-examination as well. This is about the heart! My brother and I exchange indulgent obsessions. He writes about world economics (yawn) and I write about spirituality and religion (his yawn) but, out of love and respect we do read eachother's stuff. Lately he has depressed me to the point of despair in his reluctance to develop a prayer life. Although he is a convinced Catholic in his view point and a passionate pro-life activist he is rather infant like in his pursuit of God in the spiritual way. Not to say that he isn't pursuing God's will just not in the relationship aspect. I have been torturing him somewhat in my encouragement to maintain a conversation with God not in the "religious" way that is abhorrent to him, but in the way one speaks with their loving Father and listens to Him. In sending him quotes by many different teachers about prayer I sent him one by St. Augustine which states that our prayers are continual in that often they are that intense desire of our hearts heard by our Lord. Yes, of course, but that made me halt for a minute and think... what am I desiring? What intense and continual thoughts am I hurtling heavenward. Yea, not really all that pleased by that house cleaning job. But, again rejuvenated that intent to do a self-examination of heart not only before going to reconciliation (confession) but, daily, what are my motivations and what is occupying my thoughts... and why? Jus saying... might be good idea considering the truth of the euphemism "be careful what you ask for."