Prayer is for the prayee. It takes us out of ourselves and focuses our intent and positive energy on another person or persons.

As for our prayers. Does Creator hear them? I think yes and He/She appreciates that we are trying to assist our fellow humans. When I pray, I always ask for the highest good. Therefore, if God finds that answering my prayer positively is for the higher good, my prayer gets answered. If the highest good is not served, then God will not answer my prayer.

I think that's how He/She usually answers prayer anyway, determining what is for the highest good. Since we don't know what Creator's plans are for us, others or the world or Universe, we can't judge what may be for the highest good. Something may look positively evil, yet is for the highest good if you see it from a high enough perspective. You don't know what positive things could result from people experiencing the presence of that evil.

Think of someone who has been through a horrendous experience and because of that, reaches out to help others who have been through similar experiences. Sometimes God uses bad things to create good things.