Christian Reflection and Prayer

"The purpose of prayer is to bring us to an understanding
of the Fathers heart. Prayer does not always lead us to
an answer that satisfied our wants and desires, nor an
answer that solves our problems. But prayer does lead
us to except the fact that such answers are not necessary
to accept the vast and mysterious purpose of the Father.

"Prayer is absolutely necessary in the interchange of
one's heart with the Father. That is what of faith relationship
with the Father is all about. "This is what we all long for,
and Jesus has made it possible. Prayer is all about
fellowship with the Father--the true expression of a living
faith relationship. Without prayer, without talking to the
Father and listening to Him, what kind of relationship is it?
How can we claim to have faith in God while failing to
communicate with Him.

(Talking with My Father: Jesus Teaches on Prayer by
Ray C. Stedman)