It is inviting and expressing. Consider prayer is being in community. Feel assured it is taken care of. Prayer is being in a state desirous of union with the powers that help our destiny and the destiny of others. It is joining of our thoughts with those 'powers' .
Prayer is love and hope and desire.
It is for empowering. To alleviate pain and suffering and affirm joy. It is the continuation of our be-ing with others in the spirit world. Prayer acknowledges an awareness of the supernatural world. It is about being in touch with it.