In BG2 I never used the lightning bolt spell as it normally did more damage to my party than the enemy. For the same reason I avoid it in pillars - anyone have any tips on how to use it without it doing more damage to me than the enemy is managing on its own... Or does everyone else avoid it too?

It's hard to predict. Damage-wise looks good in the tool tip but I was rarely successful with it. The lvl 2 priest ice beam is a good bounce spell to practice with where you won't kill your team. If you can get that to not hit your people maybe you can get lighting to work. Also maybe if you have high reflex/damage resist/hp tanks up front that you don't care if they get hit maybe it's useful.

Play with a party of monks to active their wounds!