We ask especially for freedom from self-will, and are careful to make no requests for ourselves only. We may ask for ourselves, however, if others will be helped. We are careful never to pray for our own selfish ends. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 87
As an active alcoholic, I allowed selfishness to run rampant in my life. I was so attached to my drinking and other selfish habits that people and moral principles came second. Now, when I pray for the good of others rather than my "own selfish ends," I practice a discipline in letting go of selfish attachments, caring for my fellows and preparing for the day when I will be required to let go of all earthly attachments.
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Most of my prayers are all about saying Thankyou and asking for acceptance and willingness. I don't think my prayers have an effect on what happens in God's world. One thing prayer does is change my outlook on what happens in daily living.
It's not so much what needs to be changed in God's world as in what needs to be changed in me and my attitudes.