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I get what you mean, but I think it's interesting to think about the seemingly simple question "do you believe in the power of prayer?"

My reflex was just to say no, because I don't think anyone hears you and offers help. On the other hand, I believe strongly in the power of thinking and visualization of goals, and isn't that a lot of what prayer is?

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As per definition "Prayer (from the Latin precari "to ask earnestly, beg, entreat")[1] is an invocation or act that seeks to activate a rapport with an object of worship through deliberate communication." i would say no.

If you talk to yourself/think about your life, i would call it something like 'time for self reflection' or something but not prayer.

What you're talking about is 'intercessionary prayer', which is one type of prayer recognised by Christian theologians. There are also 'affirmation prayers', 'prayers of confession', amongst others.

I figure prayer is essentially meditation. There are many distinctions to be made between them, but no difference that I can see.

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