Hi Barb;
I have always asked for Masters Energy after saying the password, I believe I read it in the materials that way, but it also made sense. Being predictable and having a pattern is more important. The Universe is on the same page as you, the Masters know what you are doing. Changing things around adds confusion and wastes time.
With regular practice your energy level increases, sort of like filling a pot with water and then it over flows and begins to fill the larger pot the smaller one sits in.
When it starts filling the larger pot you feel like nothing is happening but your energy has really increased alot. When it begins to fill up you feel the energy again and then you overflow that pot and start again; just as an example.
Healing your friends; I started with family first and they were very receptive. Outside of family I let my intuition guide me on this. Sometimes there is someone that needs it and I just go for it. They can say "weirdo" and I say "that's Mister Weirdo to you, so shall we try this?" and I've never been rejected, easier than asking someone to dance.
Hope that helps
Jeff