I've done okay with empowerment classes, and I never sit in shrines. I go there, pray, wait maybe a minute real-time, then take off and do some role-appropriate action. I try to make my prayers practical. Basically ask for the immortal's blessing to do whatever it is they want you to do. "Give me the strength to destroy those who would oppose our glorious Imperial conquest." "Bless me with wisdom, so I can carry out my position as Magistrate with fairness and impartiality." Etc.

Actually, having an immortal patron is one of the big things that helps me not rage delete when I have a really, really crappy day.