Since I fumble my words and generally don't know what I'm talking about, I'm posting a link to an excellent article on a site that I love. This man answers questions way better than I could ever hope to. I don't think it answers your question completely, but I think maybe it will clarify what the reason for prayer is in the first place. It's not because God is a cosmic vending machine--insert prayer, out pop the results, thank you God. While he does tell us to ask for things we need and want, it's not necessarily so he'll give them to us. He's the loving Father of his children, which means we come to him whenever we want to and make requests. Just like with earthly fathers who love us, that doesn't necessarily mean we'll get what we want. Well, I'll shut up. The whole article might not pertain to your question, but I think parts of it will.