Pray What ?!?

One of the classic questions of faith revolves around prayer. Why pray ? Do we haughtily believe that Hashem would grant us something He withheld - just because we asked for it nicely ? And what about vice a versa ? Would G-d fail to grant us something we deserved because we didn't say pretty please ?
An approach can be found in the creation of man. There was no rain, says the Passuk [Bereishis, 2:5 and Rashi ad loc.] because there was no one to ask for it. Without man's prayer - there is no recognition of Hashem's goodness. Hashem wants to give us everything, but if we don't demonstrate that we will be properly appreciative, then the giving is in vain.
In actuality, we pray for something - and by doing so we redefine ourselves as those who will see G-d's glory in whatever he gives us - thereby making us worthy of receiving - thereby enabling G-d to grant us our desire.

All this is in strict contrast to the wicked prophet, Bilaam. His prayers were not focused on self betterment and deservingness. Quite the opposite, actually - Bilaam looked for ways to point out faults in his opponents - and utilize strict divine judgment to punish them.

Let our teffilos be sincere and our neshamos open to accept the spiritual growth that we can promote - and may we deserve the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash, speedily in our days. amen.