matters above all is one's relationship with the Father. This
is what prayer does: it transforms the desire and models it
according to the will of God, whatever that may be, because the one who prays aspires first of all to union with God, who is merciful Love." (Pope Francis) The object of prayer is the intention we are praying for. But the reality of prayer is focusing on God as the beginning and end of one's life. Whether God grants the prayer request is not as important as allowing prayer to draw me into a deeper union with God through fully embracing his will in each situation. Growing in love with God is the purpose of prayer, not getting something from God.