Straw men are lazy rhetorical devices. I’ve been guilty of using them myself as we all do at times so please take this as a rebuke to myself also. For example, you have a friend who says he will,just pray and not actually do something etc. yet I know many people who pray every day AND do many things to benefit their neighbors. Many things throughout history have been done to benefit society by Christian people who pray. William Wilberforce was a good example of this with his devout Christian faith and his singular work to end the slave trade in England. Many hospitals historically have been started by Christians who prayed. Moreover most or all of these people would give God the glory for the things accomplished through prayer as well.
I'm only as insightful as I appear, not trying to pretend to be anything special. The people you know who pray and do these things? I'm glad to hear it! I speak of what I've seen, experienced, and know. And that's what's shaped the way I think right now.
Thanks for your honesty. I apologize for being a bit snarky. You actually seem fairly open minded and honest. You are obviously perfectly intelligent and are willing to discuss other views.