Dave L, I really enjoyed your post. Particularly along the lines of not putting limits on the actions of spirit.
My prayers tend to be very simple & straightforward; I rarely pray "for" anything... I think the greatest benefit comes from attention to those things I feel thankful for; I think the energy of my attention strengthens those "good things" and keeps me from strengthening a condition of "lack" of those things I don't have. Basically, I close my eyes and mentally say "thank you," and visualize specific things or areas of my life that I am truly grateful for... This "works" for me, even if only by giving me greater peace of mind. I'm not saying it's wrong or ineffective to ask for help; I just find that the benefit to my mind & spirit is greatest when I focus on what I do have, rather than what I don't.