Prayer doesn't change things. It changes people,and they change things.So,don't pray for lighter burdens,pray for stronger backs.
A little boy was to undergo an open heart surgery.The surgeon said to him before we can make you well,we must put you to sleep for some time.
The boy looked up and smiled and said to the Dr.Oh,you are going to put me to sleep,I must say my prayers first."He knelt down beside the table and prayed."Now I lay me down to sleep,I pray thee,Lord,my soul to keep.If I should die before I wake,I pray thee,Lord,my soul to take".The surgeon said later that he prayed that night for the first time in 25 years.
Science is not an enemy of or against religion,only against superstition.Both science and religion are engaged in the search of truth,the difference is in the methodologies used.
Science is an investigation of truth in the finite nature outside,the object.Religion is an investigation in to the nature of infinite,the subject.Science aims for universally verifiable knowledge.Religion aims for individual realisation.And religion develop one's belief and faith.
We respect science,it is premised on reason.Faith is not predicted upon reason.,it is beyond reason.But there are many questions to which our faith alone can help us find answers.Hence selfless faith and prayer can work wonders in each and everyone's life.