Prayer is an act of
OBEDIENCE

God commands us to pray.

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."
-Ephesians 6:18

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  -Philippians 4:6

He especially commands this type of prayer.

God laments the willful, unloving disobedience of his people, desiring his light to seen in those who call themselves his own.

Even common people oppress the poor, rob the needy, and deprive foreigners of justice. 
“I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one."
-Ezekiel 22:29-30

We are the ones to stand in the gap and rebuild the "wall of righteousness."

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
-1 Timothy 2:1-2