I think of praiyer as a meditation, as a mantra, call as you want. I have my personal reasons to belive there isn't a God listening to our secret thoughts and wishes as we pray (I'm still not sure about the whole "God exists" thing, so I'm agnostic), but I think it's a good practice. It keeps one mind in focus, help to sets goals and stuff... I'm not very fond of the whole kneeling down and praying with hands close together thing, I think it's way too medieval, but a silent thought to oneself is always welcome.

BTW, I gotta teach you guys a little "mental self help" exercise I've created to make one focus in your goals and keep an optimistic point of view, I'll do that later.