Ian, I'm wading carefully through this praying for others or helping myself all the time. To be of support, I currently don't use words, I just do a general grounding visualization, say for countries, leaders, areas I know are in conflict, or people I know. Simply described - from the stars light spirals down through the person or country, deep into the earth and from the earth, earth energy spirals up through the person or country. It is not aimed at creating an outcome but at grounding energy. I have so far figured this wouldn't trespass on free will. I welcome input on if this 'prayer' would be an infringement on free will. I don't think it is but it could be.
I like what T.C. wrote above about the Prayer of the Soul, as it asks for strength and clarity to discern and understand with acknowledging that we give bread to others. The giving of bread to others, how to interpret in our everyday situations of obvious need - I look forward to other responses to your topic, Ian. There are so many incursions into our minds and health from technology, pharmaceuticals, agricultural toxins, the power of negative thought and control directed at us or others, including our animals, it's a minefield out there! Avoiding interfereing with lessons but being able to offer first aid is a key question I ask.
I read here and take very much to heart that helping if not requested is ego-based and meddling. It's a learning curve, alright! Am I able to contemplate the suffering of others with equanimity? Nope.... Then there's the body doesn't matter, the soul does. These ideas from reading here on the Forum and in transcripts and books are easy to read, then to apply them, practice them, is challenging.
