Here is a quote by John Calvin. I thought it would be a good exercise to find Scripture that supports what he is saying. First the quote by itself and then with Scripture inserted:

Believers do not pray with the view of informing God about things unknown to him, or of exciting him to do his duty, or of urging him as though he were reluctant. On the contrary, they pray in order that they may arouse themselves to seek him, that they may exercise their faith in meditating on his promises, that they may relieve themselves from their anxieties by pouring them into his bosom; in a word, that they may declare that from him alone they hope and expect, both for themselves and for others, all good things.

(If you are reading from e-mail or Google Reader it may be easier to come to the web page and go back and forth clicking on the links and then your browser’s Back button, staying in the same window.)

“Believers do not pray with the view of informing God about things unknown to him (Psalm 147:4-5), or of exciting him to do his duty (Proverbs 16:9), or of urging him as though he were reluctant (Isaiah 30:18). On the contrary, they pray in order that they may arouse themselves to seek him (Proverbs 8:17), that they may exercise their faith in meditating (Joshua 1:8) on his promises (2 Corinthians 1:20), that they may relieve themselves from their anxieties (Philippians 4:6-7) by pouring them into his bosom (1 Peter 5:7); in a word, that they may declare that from him alone (Romans 11:36) they hope (Romans 15:13) and expect (Psalm 5:3 NIV), both for themselves and for others (Philippians 2:4), all good things (Psalm 107:9).”