In the context of the Buddhadhamma, the idea of wishing for something or praying that it be so seems to me to be open for facile misinterpetation. Take, for example, AN IV 124, whre the Lord Buddha is describing the futility of simply wishing to develop the factors of the path as opposed to actually undertaking those practices which lead to their development and fruition. He goes as far as to say that one can still find release as long as a person develops these qualities even the complete absence of the wish that they be developed. So, where does this leave the idea of prayer and metta bhavana?
In effect, I believe we’re talking about two different things altogether. When I wish for someone to be free of suffering or to get the job they want it is not as if I truly be my wishing will suffice to make it so. Whether or not it has any impact on the world outside (although I must admit to believing it does) is not nearly as important as the way it trains my heart and mind. In the case of the sutta referenced above, the Lord seems to be speaking about the inefficacy of simply wishing for something whereas, in the latter, the act of wishing is the cause which conditions the heart. At least, that’s my provisional understanding of it at the moment.
May we all see clearly and strive on toward the goal.
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
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