>>we must not think God acts because we pray
Then why does He tell us to pray?
Matthew 21:22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
James 5:16b The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Psalm 34:15
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their cry.
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
John 16:24b Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.