Now Old Robert Arthur, “Bob,” 1907-2002 was a staunch German Lutheran as was his father and grandfather before him. He owned several businesses, was in the US Army during WW2, and traveled by car throughout the country. He also was never shy about dispensing advice to others.
Bob had some words about the power of prayer. “Most folks are really good about focusing what they want in prayer, and God is pretty quick with an answer. The problem is people don't “like” the answers they get. They start making excuses, saying, 'I can't do THIS and I can't do THAT.' So they go back to praying real hard, hoping for a 'better answer.'”
He said, “Now, this to me is the definition of stupid. Asking the same thing over and over again, expecting a different answer.”
“What they need to do is get off their fat asses and do what they have been inspired by no less than God Almighty Himself to do, no matter how hard it may seem to be.”
Bob could be rather direct in his point, but there is wisdom here. Whether you believe in God, Nature, or whatever, having a plan and following through on that plan is the only path to success and happiness for us humans. No matter how big or small the task may be, from starting a weight loss program, to getting a better job, to helping out one's neighbors, remember prayer or meditation is only the first step. The job is not done until you actually act on that prayer.