We are not Clever

As we become older, we accumulate knowledge, whether through life's experiences or through formal education. Although intellectually satisfying, a downside of accumulating knowledge is that we can become convinced of our cleverness. But as written in Proverbs 3:5 (ESV),

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.

Paul explores this topic further. In 1 Corinthians 1:25 (ESV), he writes

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Not only are we not clever, but our attempts to become clever inevitably backfire. As Paul quotes in 1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV),

What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him.

That is, we cannot possibly understand God's ultimate plan! These passages imply that our prayers need not be complicated philosophical exercises. Rather, we should humbly acknowledge God's greatness and offer our lives to him.