Prayer as a meditation

[Salvijus]

 

[who chit]

That was prayers original purpose. Not asking for more things from an imaginary deity,in an imaginary heaven.
Doesn't matter what name or image any religion has given to "god",but the name or form is a subtle vibration,focused on in the mind as mantra or image, that brings one into absorption with that vibration,thus becoming one with "god" which is yourSelf.

In both cases whether it's mantra or image,the end result (absorption) is pure silence in stillness,absent of all form.

[Salvijus]

+1@who chit

[Akim]

It is also traditionally often used as a sort of affirmation of how you want to change yourself, not only what you want from the outer world. For example, Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian:

Quote

O Lord and Master of my life! The spirit of idleness, despondency, ambition, and vain thoughts give me not! But rather a spirit of chastity, humble-mindedness, patience, and love bestow upon me Thy servant. Yea, O Lord King, grant me to see my failings and not condemn my brother, for Thou art holy unto the ages of ages. Amen!

from  An Explanation of the Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian: the whole text