And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
~ Romans 8:28

If God’s providence ordains all things that come to pass according to the immutable law of His purpose, then what necessity is there for prayer? We cannot by our most fervent prayers alter God’s decrees. Divine providence does not only ordain what outcomes shall come to pass, but also by what means, what causes, and in what order they shall flow. Prayer is a means to bring to pass that which God has determined shall be. Prayer does not incline God to bestow that which before He was not resolved to give but prepares us to receive that which God will not give otherwise. Here is another way to say that: Prayer is a means by which we may submit our will to receive that which He has preordained would be according to His wisdom to provide the outcome that would bring the highest glory to Him.

~ Ezekiel Hopkins.