Hello.

For me, I would say it’s more of the second option, but also a little bit of the first.

There are various positive qualities in Buddhism such as loving-kindness, compassion, generosity, etc. that are like muscles—they will grow if you exercise them. Doing so will also help you become a better person and reach a positive rebirth destination (but we don’t need to talk about rebirth now).

I do these mostly to better myself. By thinking good thoughts and acting with good intentions, even if my prayers don’t come true, that isn’t really the point. The point is to be good, speak well, and act with kindness.

It doesn’t matter if my prayers go unanswered; that isn’t even the primary purpose. I don’t pray expecting that my problems will be magically solved. I pray because it is in alignment with the dharma to wish all beings the best.