luckily prayer is a waste of time.
I don't know that I quite agree with that. I think prayer is very valid and very useful.
I'm also of the opinion that the vast majority do not know how to pray or how to tap into that secret place that has the power to effect change, which can be a good thing, ...especially when you have sickos praying for someone's demise. I do believe there is power in prayer tho, ...both real prayer, ...as well as the delusional masturbatory type most engage in. Let's not discount the placebo effect. Often times when people are troubled, their knowing that someone has prayed for them, is praying for them, can be quite comforting to them. Nothing wrong with providing a little comfort when & where you can.