One of the core points
overlooked by unbelievers is that human understanding is not exhausted by mapping the world of nature.
Prayer changes things Prayer takes many Biblical forms Prayer is talking with God Prayer can be private Prayer can be corporate Prayer can be public Prayer can be political Prayer can be formal Prayer can be casual Prayer can be in public schools Prayer is not curtailed by the words of a man Prayer is never
stopped by an unbeliever Prayer changes things
The whole idea of a spiritual inoculation by saying a few words or putting up one's hand at a crusage without changing one's behaviour is misguided and is deserving of the ridicule brought
forward by unbelievers.
Problem is, it's been totally
hijacked by unbelievers who on one hand are happy to line their pockets due to the holiday, but at the same time want to drive all religious context out.