The problem isn't with prayer. The problem is that God must know you first. You stated "***uming there is a god" communicates that God does not know you; therefore, you can not know God.

Only those known by God (true Christians) are commanded to pray and if our prayers are done in the name of Christ, our prayers will be answered.

Ending our prayers with the phrase "I ask in Jesus' name" is not the same as asking in His name. Asking in His name means to ask in His nature.

Jesus told His disciples in John 14:13 (NIV), "And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father."

"It is better to die on our feet than live on our knees" is an interesting quote.
Read the account of Jesus at Martha's house and what He said to her in Luke 10:38-42, then continue through chapter 11 which deals with prayer.