We're not avoiding the question. You're not listening.
We pray so that we know if we're in the will of the Father. Paul prayed three times for his problem to be removed from him and God told him no. Paul prayer was answered and he knew what was God's will. David prayed to know what would happen if he stayed in town with Saul chasing him. God told him the people would turn him over. He got out of there.
God leads and guides His people by our prayer. If we fail to pray God leads and guides just as much but probably not in the way that is most comfortable for us to bring us back to Him. We know His will through prayer. Thus, we can pray that IF we are thrown into a fiery furnance, whatever happens, God's will will be done.
Hardly Harley. You and FK keep repeating the same nonsense (based on what the Reformed theology teaches). But you are not answering the question.
It was you who once said that we are who, where, and what we are because God wants it so. Your prayer, asking for guidance, whatever, did nothing to predetermine where, who and what you will be.
Reformed theology teaches that you have been a finished product before you were born, destined to either hell or heaven, and that nothing you do changes or affects what will happen to you.
Praying is work. Do you think your work is necessary for God to lead you? +Paul didn't say pray; he said believe. Is faith not enough for your salvation, HD? Is faith in God and trust that He is just and merciful not enought to lead you?
Do you think not praying will change your destiny, change who you are, where you are and why you are? Do you think "knowing" what the Father wants from you is necessary for your salvation? Obviosuly not! Since you were "saved" before you were even born, right? And can your "knowing" what the Father wants change that? Obviously not!
If God is always sovereign, why would your prayers affect anything? In your theology they don't and they can't. Is it His will that matters or your "knowing" His will that matters? Obviously, only His will counts; your knowing His will (even if that were possible) changes zilch where you will end up.
So, once again, why do the Reformed pray?