Letter: Be specific in your prayers

A key concept in positive psychology is that we all need to be very specific in our wishes and requests from our Higher Power. This was brought home to me this week.

Like many Americans, I certainly could do with some extra cash and periodically I try to manifest that goal in my thoughts and prayers. And my request for some more money came true — or would have if I had been more specific.

You see, someone with my name — a Howard Rankin in Massachusetts — won the lottery not once but twice! Surely this is a case of mistaken identity, but perhaps I only have myself to blame for not being more specific with God.

So I urge you all when praying and putting your destiny out in the universe, please include your address and Social Security number so that these sorts of mistakes don’t happen. No, I’m not mad with God. After all, three months ago I was in a nasty car accident and I escaped with my life. That truly is a gift.

This story was originally published September 30, 2016 at 9:15 AM with the headline "Letter: Be specific in your prayers."