Praying is much like setting an intention and the will to practice it though your walk of live that day or for a time.
As far as the pray it only will work if the resolve you place to bring it about is there… however there is extra elements out there I believe. The universe will conspire to help you as long as your intention is pure I believe. Being Gods will.
As far as praying working it has mult means as if you speak a pray it has and holds more power, to lay hands is another act of agreement, one of which allows people to interact with in your personal space in agreement, and last and most important speaking that prayer and others in agreement their God himself is said to be there.
I like to think this is because of the action taken a force be it of the words and sound… after all this intention can become much stronger if other share the path to the goal.
Perhaps people may not like my view but I see nothing wrong with this…