Why Pray If God Already Knows What You Need?

If God knows what we need, why bother praying? Because prayer is not like sending an order form to a supplier. Prayer develops an intimate personal relationship with an abundantly loving God, who also happens to know us deeply. His knowledge of us should encourage us toward confident and focused prayer. A child may feel an immediate need for candy but a parent considers the child's long-term needs. Stretch that parent's concern and perspective to an infinite dimension, and there you find God's loving care.

Prayer does not beg favors from a reluctant shopkeeper. Prayer develops the trust that says, "Father, you know best." Bring your requests confidently to God.

~Life Application Bible Commentary, Matthew