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FLIP-SIDE
Mom, I, too, have been thinking much about prayer...and its' power.
Should we start with the premise that everything we do, think or say is a FORM of prayer (which I believe), doesn't it make sense to step back from the panaroma just far enough to appreciate what is NOT being prayed for? There is a progression, a naturally evolving sequence of considerations. The young and the old, the experienced and the novice each experiencing prayer as a normal consequence of moral capacity...oftentimes unaware.
Perhaps if we consider what we no longer pray for we will generate a 'Thanksgiving' list. I know that the Spirit of Thanksgiving can lead to increased sincerity and worship as well as more effectual prayers.
Group prayer is another matter. If we assume group prayer is a real power, do we not allow that group prayer is an actual reality...even before we think so? Even now, I am concerned with what we, as a species, pray for. What are we saying to the universe? today?
As a species, we pray for war. Not because we cherish warfare but because we lack a paradigm where war is unfavorable. We expect conflict and embrace victory, defeat or compromise as inevitable. And so it is for now on Urantia. We tolerate our times.
I was speaking with my son, Michael, earlier today on the same subject. He suggested I familiarize myself with Sri Baba and Dr. Albert Hofmann author of "Insight Outlook". So, I'm off to the library to PREY upon their knowledge...as is our human nature.
IMHO, there is much about prayer that the Bible has to teach any who will seek. The UB casts new light in which to consider payer both personally and collectively...not as a species but as a group. HOW Jesus prayed, per UB, is the highest example we have. THAT Jesus prayed "unceasingly" is our key. It's a matter of perspective and responsibility, self-mastery and sublime humility, habitual sweet submission to divine will.
The power of prayer works first in spirit. I perceive the MIND of Urantia today as the mind of a human male about 13 years old.(Please don't ask). When I PRAY for Urantia, I find a MIND not my own that becomes aware, absolutely aware, of ME, all of me...all that will survive and all that will not. This MIND is neither judge nor jury. This MIND is divine and evolving with every experience...like an average 13 year old mind. This MIND transcends moral capacity and reflects what I have come to know as "spirit desire"...a vanguard unction.
That's when I know how to pray. The whole concept of "power" is...unwarranted.
Thanks for reading. Hope to see Mom in Boulder...U2, maryjo.
Bill
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I am glad you brought up intentions and expectations. That is such an important component in prayer. For me, when in an active form of worship, I pray in a very simple way with the intent of opening myself up to the Father and giving him the opportunity in my life to do whatever is His will. I am giving myself over to a wonderful experience of feeling so grateful, connected, and participating in a very simple form of loving. Our study group spends time at the end in silent worship and prayer....each doing their own thing with the Father...and yet we are together in that experience...feels awesome and seems to have many benefits in my life. I love your woobie-woobie...gonna say that for days..LOL super funny and good way to remind us all not to get into silly stuff...reminds me to be sure I am sincere in my worship. Love that 
