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Magic/spells are done to effect change (or make something happen). While it can involve deities, it doesn't have to and isn't something that one would normally do to bring oneself closer to deity. Prayer can also be used to effect change, but would be a primary way of forming a better relationship with deity.

Rituals (which can have spellwork as a component, but aren't necessarily magical in and of themselves) can help bring one closer to deity, just depends on the ritual.

From what I understand of practical magic"k", it's a sham. It alters things like "luck" or "protection", things that are impossible to prove. It's a placebo. However, most spells are more like prayers than a level 3 fireball.

I practice witchcraft.

As for spellwork, I'm not really accustomed to it and I've only done it once. I had positive results. But I'm thinking that it was a coincidence, since, looking back, I hadn't raised or sent off any energy, to my knowledge.

I was kind of hoping that my high priest would give me some instruction on how to properly execute a spell. Not quite there yet.

I usually implement other practices within witchcraft, like meditation and trance. I try to pray constantly, keeping a running dialogue with the Divine, so that I am in conscious contact even when I cannot sit down to meditate or trance out.

I do not view magic or spellwork as a physical type of prayer, like some pagans will say. It is the direct manipulation of energy, whereas prayer is indirect and relies on the talent of the deity, not on yourself.

The results are the same as prayer. In time the spell will resolve, and we need faith to wait that long. The difference between the two is how you go about the change. For calm/eased changes I would use a simple prayer. Prayer is asking for change, in this sense it is simpler with no components and more "if the gods will it". A spell is almost the exact opposite. For forced/abrupt changes I would use a spell. These are commands made to the gods demanding a change be made in your world. This is your will taking the forefront of importance. Putting a stopper on a terminal illness would like this. The problem being is the need/want for components. Tools are used in spells (however our fingers and body parts may be tools as well in this act). The tools are typically what determines a spell from a prayer, but none the less, they help focus the want and send it into the world.

Don't let me solidify in your mind a spell is only for commands and a prayer is only used to ask for change. Prayer is often used interchangeably, but a spell is not lessened by this. Oh, god, not I have to explain myself. sweatdrop

Spells do not dishonor the gods by directly making commands, it is just some feel this is a necessary step in bringing about change. It all comes down to preference.

I myself tend to use more prayer than spells because spells have a time and place, and prayer can be done wherever. But I do enjoy a good elaborate spell time and time again.

I've found that the intent of the spell is more important than the words you say or the props you use. The simplest spells, like mental prayers, work best for me.

Yes I do spells, and the results have been positive for the most part, though a scant few have had no result
When I pray I usually get what I am hoping for.
For me there is a difference between what a spell is and what prayer is, and I do practice both. I view spells as a way of drawing on my personal energy to manifest a change, I view prayer as a means of drawing me closer to the divine.