Controversial? - - I Do Not Think So.

In my very humble opinion, Christians make out that God is in charge of every single event on earth - which is, of course, true. Many, however, seem to believe that God micro-manages every situation, which, in my view, is almost certainly not the case.
The last time that God was wholly present in this fashion was in The Garden Of Eden where micromanagement was not even needed until after The Fall.
So much of this returns to the concept of free will.

Why do Christians pray? - Apart from granting to God all the honour, thanks, glory, praise and wonder which are His by eternal right. We also pray to change things: situations; in our own lives; in the lives of others.

I believe that God is a gentleman. He will not intervene unless invited and prayer is that means of bringing Him into the equation. There is always the greatest of needs for God to intervene in the world. IMHO - prayer is the great facilitator!