When I need patience it is usually because I am annoyed that events are not happening the way my ego thinks they should be occurring. The irritation lets me know that I think there is a better way.
The restlessness that results from such faulty reasoning leads progressively to other negative attitudes that take my thoughts down a path that goes further and further away from the Lord.
What I need in those moments is the conscious awareness that my ego is in control and doing everything in its power to keep me from experiencing His peace, and joy. The drama it desires is diametrically opposed to what He wants for me.
I pray that He will take each irritation, pain or misfortune that occurs in my life and use them as reminders to me that they are symptoms of my negligence to trust Him. I thank God for the patience He gives me when my desire for fellowship with Him becomes my most important objective.