Fred Craddock was invited to attend a prayer meeting at a home in a wealthy suburb of Atlanta. He couldn't help himself. But prayer in Jesus name, means praying what Jesus would pray in a given situation, and not a few have taken his name in vain. Nor is prayer an legal transaction which depends on our righteousness and throws grace out the window, as you may have heard it preached. Nor is prayer primarily a means by which we get God on our side and get God to do things for us.
Prayer is more than that.
And it is helpful. In fact, prayer is essential. From time to time people ask me why God hasn't answered their prayers. Usually these aren't superficial, selfish prayers, but prayers for a loved one who is sick or prayers for justice in a situation at work. And usually, I find myself wishing God would answer their prayers and I join my prayers to theirs.