Prayer could quite possibly be the single most important thing a person can do for themselves because our thoughts create our reality. Hard to believe isn't it? But with a little contemplation you'll see it's true. 

Our thoughts are powerful. They create our feelings and our feelings or beliefs determine our actions. Our actions determine a reaction. 

All things created were first created in the mind or better referred to as consciousness. First there is contemplation, then there is action. Consciousness controls the body and all aspects of life. 

Through our consciousness, we all have a direct link to God or universal consciousness. Prayer is contemplation with a purpose. The purpose to serve God.