Why pray for the living?

[Mallz]

Just as stated. I'm having a hard time seeing the point. It's Jesus that saves, the Holy Spirit that guides and intervenes and the Father that accepts.
Sure, as Christians we want to build each other up and exercise together as the body of Christ.. but what will praying for each other accomplish?
The Father knows what we need before we do, asking him to intervene (depending on the context) could be asking to go against free will. Lets say by praying for His revelation to a dear one.
And even if it didn't go against free will, he knows what others need already, and when. What would requesting Gods intervention even accomplish? Things will happen or they wont according to God's plan.
Perhaps my perspective is off...?

Also, how many end their prayers with 'through Jesus Christ, Amen'. Now I understand completely the reason for doing so as he intercedes with us to the Father and through him is our salvation and ability to go to the Father is possible. But is it necessary thing, or a respectful thing? Repeating through Jesus Christ over and over seems a bit... repetative in prayer which we are warned against? That and it can make prayer impersonal sometimes by adding a legal framework for prayer.

I talk to God, a lot. More than I talk to other people in a day sometimes and I like the personal relationship that has been growing. God deserves our respect, worship and love. But I really don't agree with the conservative view of God (I was raised Catholic). We are God's children, but I also look at God as a friend. A God to be adventuring with, joking with, exploring with.. just hanging out with in general and sharing great moments together (and sad ones). One of the most distrubing things that will enter my mind from time to time is I can't surprise God. Surprises are fun...

Any insight is welcome, thanks!

[1over137]

Psalm 34:17 ESV
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

James 5:13-18 ESV
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.

Seems like God works also via prayer. Question is what if you do not pray for yourselves or others do not pray for you.

[Mallz]

Thanks Lover!

I guess the next question is how can I better refine myself to be considered righteous? I know we are righteous through Jesus, and can't be otherwise. But how do I know if my heart is decieving me?
If there are unconfessed sins I'm unaware about, will God not hear my prayers?

Thanks

[Danieltwotwenty]

Thanks Lover

[RickD]

Thanks Lover

Our Queen, Dr. Lover.

[1over137]

Dr. Awful now.

Anyway, help me to answer the question of OP.

[1over137]

Thanks Lover!

I guess the next question is how can I better refine myself to be considered righteous? I know we are righteous through Jesus, and can't be otherwise. But how do I know if my heart is decieving me?
If there are unconfessed sins I'm unaware about, will God not hear my prayers?

Thanks

Recently, I asked my beloved friends to pray for me, for discernment what is right, for wisdom and understanding to know what is good and what pleases our God. I do believe God will help me with this.

Also, sometimes it may take us longer time to realize our sins. It takes time to grow and understand.

P.S. My friend reminded me what she recalled when reading my email:
Romans 12:1-2
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, [a]acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this [c]world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may [d]prove what the will of God is, that which is good and [e]acceptable and perfect.