Why do people pray to God to help a needy person, instead of helping him/her?

Because it relieves them of responsibility. That's one of the worst things about Christianity--people have turned over their morality and responsibility for others by expecting God to help instead. I have seen it so many times. A woman is stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire. Does he stop and help? "No--God will take care of it. I'll pray for her."

Sure, Christians are supposed to help. But when they do, it's not thanks to their religion--this happens when good people do good things--and would no matter what religion they were. But religion, by claiming morality and goodness for itself, gives an easy out and convenience excuse for lazy and not-so-good Christians to say "God will provide".

Some religious people believe in idle wishful thinking, others believe that God requires them to work. Are you assuming that all those who pray don't do any work?

Not everyone is always in a position to help even though we want to. At such times all I can do is pray.

Christians know that whatever they pray for, they need to be prepared to BE the answer to their own prayer.

So when a Christian prays for God's help for a needy person, they look to see if they can provide that help in any way.

Where does this nonsense idea come from, that it has to be one or the other? Why cannot it be both? I know you do not have that view, but 'either, or' questions are exasperating as they raise a false dichotomy.

A needy person always remembers the person who helped them ..next time they want a handout..!..

If it's within your power to help someone you should without a doubt do it. Sometimes we can't though.

They have no interest in helping the person, but they don't want to feel guilty afterwards.

I guess some people have no other way to help them.

Less effort required

God has infinitely more ways to help.