LORs

[misworded]

Hello all you helpful people :)

I graduated last semester and plan to apply for Ph.D. programs for Fall 2009, meaning my deadlines are this winter. What should be my order of operations?

1. Arrange for LORs way in advance so I know whether or not I'm actually good to go?
2. Study for & take GRE
3. Write SOPs, prepare application materials except the LORs
4. Present SOPs and some previous work to professors who agreed to write LORs
5. Send off completed applications

I really want to ask professors now if they'd write letters, especially since the longer I'm out of school, the more distant their memory of me as a student is. Also, how should I phrase my e-mail inquiring about if they'd be willing to write me an LOR?

Thanks in advance.