In a discussion about AA’s approach to prayer and meditation, a
question was raised at an Open Meeting this week by a person I’d never
seen before: What’s the difference between Prayer and Wishful
Thinking? That is, how does prayer to a higher power, or God as you
understand Him, differ from consciously desiring a specific outcome
and being prepared for never seeing it come to pass? Apparently, for
this person, an unsucessful outcome allows one to lay the burden of
“responsiblity” at the feet of the divine, and the other forces
individuals to absorb the butden, something they felt people are not
inclined to do. I had no ready answers for the person.

Blessings