Is Prayer futile?

If God already knows what is going to be in our lives, why do we pray? Will our prayers change what God has already planned for us? What about the people who claim God answered their prayers because a loved one didn't die; or becuase they themselves were saved from some terrible situation such as abuse or a serious car accident. Does that mean for those who did lose a loved one; or who did get seriously hurt in an automobile accident, that God didn't care enough about them to answer their prayer and keep them safe as he did the others? It upsets me a great deal to hear people say, "I know God loves me because He protected me from being abused." or "I know God is watching out for my child because He had me walk into the room just as he nearly hung himself on the cord." Again I ask. Does that mean God didn't love the one who was abused? Does He care less for the mother of the child who did hang himself on a cord? If God already has His will for us set out, why pray for healing, or for a sick loved one, or for protection in a harmful situation? These questions lead me to believe that prayer is about us. Not God. Prayer is showing us that we need God, no matter the answer. The answer or no answer to a prayer isn't what is important. It is the fact that when we go to God in prayer, we are reminding ourselves that we need God. If we didn't, why are we praying? Why not take care of the situation ourselves? Also, by going to God in prayer, we are admitting we believe He exists. God doesn't need my prayers. He already knows what I need. He knows what I feel. God knows all about me. If you doubt this,read
Psalm 139. It is I who needs prayer. To be humbled. Prayer is about praising God for who He is, not what he does.I may not understand why I pray at times. I may question whether or not God cares or will answer according to my will. But what I do know is He is listening and if I believe that, then I must believe He exists. When it comes to prayer, God's will be done!