If you really think about it, you are being a total douche when you pray for anything
You are basically telling god... that you know what is best, more than god does
By praying, you are saying...
"Hey god, I know you don't want to give me a new car, but I want it anyway"
"Screw your perfect/divine plan god, I want a new car... me me me me me me, it's all about me"
If it is god's will... why are you trying to change god's will?
Do you really think you know better than god does?
Or, are people just selfish and don't care what god has planned?
Yeah point taken, i believe people are praying as their defense mechanism on fears or anything that bothers them thinking that they can't do it alone. I somehow agree with you but i think prayer is done not only for wishing but also acknowledging and giving thanks.