I got a lot of great comments on the last post about prayer. I wanted to clarify my meaning because I think I may have been less than clear. 
I absolutely have a testimony of the power of prayer. I would have to be an ungrateful, selfish brat to deny the power of prayer.
My question was more about why it is that we are required to pray for certain blessings when we’re not in a position to help those prayers be answered. The Lord has perfect love and is omnipotent. I understand He works through us to answer prayers. But in situations where we’re powerless to help, why does our prayer allow the Lord to grant blessings He’s already willing to grant (per the Bible Dictionary)?
Even as I type this, though, I see the flaw in my question. How many situations are we really powerless to help? The example I used in my previous post was this couple who had a terrible plane crash. My thought was, I don’t know these people and I don’t live near them, so I can’t help. Why does prayer help?
Well, first, I’m certainly not powerless to help comfort them, which is what I was praying for. I can send an email telling them how I feel and that I’m praying for them, for one thing. Also, if prayer is a two-way conversation, then the Lord can certainly give me suggestions I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. Finally, the Lord can send extra comfort in the form of the Spirit in specific answer to my prayer.
Thanks for all your comments that helped me begin to understand this better. It’s great to have friends who can help you think through issues. I really appreciate it!
“I absolutely have a testimony of the power of prayer.”
Are you sure it wasn’t just coincidence? Testimony != proof.