Anyone care to discuss the utility of prayer, meditation, introspection?

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In my own life, I pray, meditate, and examine my life rather constantly. For me, my praying is a communication from my heart to portion of my being I think to be divine, that is, part of a larger entity.

I generally make requests for insight into a decision I face, guidance where there is no right or wrong option; I also request freedom from selfish motives, and the ability to better understand others and carry joy to others.

After prayer, I meditate a bit. I silence my mind and wait to hear an answer; it usually comes in the form of epiphany; occasionally in the form of images, text, voices, and the like.

Now, aside from these two tools, I try to examine the choices I make to see what effect they have around me in order to better understand my self. It also allows me to chart the progress of my journey in this world and be able to share what happens in it. I find it pretty cool.

I end my days with an intense period of meditation, usually a couple to a few hours. I try and meditate here on forgiveness, omniscience, peace, love, gratitude, and the like. When finished, I say thank you, then fall into the dream world.

I start the next day with prayer, and even occasionally wake up to find my subconsciousness already praying as I come out of the dream world.

All in all, I think the more practical benefits (that is, in everyday life) I get from these things are a clearer understanding of my life, a more peaceful attitude and a general sense of love that is not easily disturbed.

My favorite benefit I've gotten from these is the occasional revelation of God...meeting the Indescribable soul to Soul.