Prayer does not work

[Brian37]

Not exactly, more the immediate comfort aspect. Is it miraculous? No. Is it valid? Yes. Is it better than a secular hug? I don't know. Does that person feel better because they are deceived into thinking their loved one is with the giant sky Daddy and that gives them a sense of connection? Very possibly.

Theists waste a lot of time in an activity which seems genuinely worthless.

Yes, but even as an atheist I still think and "hope" for things that don't transpire, like the Redskins not sucking, and people appreciating ABBA like I do.

But at least when I waste my time I know I have no tin foil hat or magic bat phone to some sky pixy that will make the Redskins Superbowl champs or make the world love ABBA.