Hi Burl,
Thanks for the reply.
What do we do with all the prayers that don't have positive outcomes like yours? Feel free to treat that question as rhetorical. In my church experience, the "authorities' would say something like there are 3 answers to prayer. Yes, No and Wait. Sometimes lack of faith or unworthy intentions would be in the discussion. Blame the supplicant. But it makes prayers of petition seem sort of like going to Vegas.
At this time in my life, I am content to meet God in prayer and meditation seeking to be inspired to follow the harder teachings of Jesus. Love each other, love your enemies, forgive your brother no matter what and no matter how many times. Judge and condemn no one. Do good to those who mistreat you, care for the least of Jesus brethren, etc. As for material needs, I just believe that things will ultimately work out all right. And if they don't, that's mostly out of my control as retired guy on a fixed income.