Can one expect an outcome from prayer?

One can certainly expect an outcome from prayer. 

But it may not be the outcome you expect—or want. Like a good parent, the Universe—or God (whatever your concept of Her or Him—or It may be), will, I believe, give you what you need, which may be suffering for growth, and not what you want, which is usually the absence of suffering, hardship, trials, and the like.

—Clive Simpkins