How has the power of prayer affected you?

Serious question, actually. Everybody knows I’m an outspoken atheist, but I haven’t been that way all my life, and I remember when prayer gave me a sense of calm.

So I’m asking those of you brave enough to answer—how does the power of prayer manifest itself in your life?

I ask that the usual suspects (myself included) keep the snarky comments to ourselves this time around. We all know how we feel.

This question is really only for the deists and theists among you. I may ask a question of clarification, but that’s it. Honestly, I promise to be nice, and I will flag anybody who is not nice.