For most of human history, we seemed to have little control over Life and Death. There were so many things which could kill you - plagues, simple accidents and infections - and all you could do was pray to whichever god you believed in.
In 1800 43% of children died before their fifth birthday. Today, worldwide, that is down to 4%. In the First World, it is almost zero. What is the difference?
Quite simple: we rely on science and scientific medicine to fix our problems. All the prayers accomplished nothing.