I think a persons belief are their own and that if one prays it is a very personal thing between them and whatever it is they are trying to connect to. We all live in our own private realities based on our own upbringing, history and narrative. Do what feels good and right for you.
I myself send a message out to the universe every once in awhile.... I just sent one out for me and my injured son, and I received. I'm not saying that I got an answer from the universe but more that in my need got resourceful. I think that if you feel like you need to reach outside of yourself then by focusing your energy on that thought that you will find a not necessarily a solution but perhaps a direction. Prayer to me is a focused beam of thought.... I am now turning on the high beams of my intention.