Prayer and Meditation

It is not a new trend to pray with the purpose of talking to God in hope that our prayers will be answered.  People pray in groups, in regular intervals during the day and as Jesus taught; quietly in solitude.  Many people experience great power and comfort through prayer.  Many prayers have been answered as expected and many resulted in surprise.  Is it logical to think that a singular being hears our wishes and controls our destiny?  Does God pay more heed to prayers that are repeated by many people?  If so, there would be an end to war and illness.  So , what happens in our minds when we pray.  We vent, we organize our thoughts, we confess and understand our actions, we plan and plead. These are all things that allow positive physical reactions to a proven positive mental attitude.  Prayer gives us comfort and makes us feel better.  Prayer puts our hope in focus and allows us to act with good sense.  Is there something more than that?  Is there something magical?  Those who believe that may also think that they have the power to curse others and cause them harm with just their thoughts. That is a dangerous and unhealthy.  We are in a world where there is plenty to supply our needs.  So when we work within a loving community, all needs can be met.  We may not have everything we want or live our days without end or pain; but we can sing praise for the many blessings we have received.  I pray daily for forgiveness, wisdom and peace. So, I must also give freely of those things to others.