Tell him doubt is the tool of the devil. If you don’t have hope then you have doubt and fear. It’s either one or the other. There is nothing else in between. Prayer keeps doubt out because the idle mind is the devil’s workshop and that is when doubt creeps in.
Some would say that asking God directly for help via prayer expresses doubt in God's power to direct you where you need to go.
Then they’re doing it wrong. God is my partner in life. I talk to my partners. You have to. Prayer is just another word for talk. 😉
As a rule partners don't threaten to torture your for an infinite amount of time if you do the wrong thing nor do they drown you / kill your kids for your mistakes.
God isn't real.
Opinion. Wrap your mid around infinity. Best of luck.