For myself, I find that prayer is really focusing energy on the issue at hand and trying to channel that energy into solving the issue or sending that energy to those who may need it for themselves. I feel it is the meditative process of evaluation of the issue by one's self and the revelation of potential solutions. I, myself, really feel that we, ourselves, hold the key to solving our problems. IMHO of course... Either that or getting my answers from the "Magic Eightball"!