Mercy - first and foremost, it is GREAT to see that you do NOT need any "white knights" to charge in here and protect you from us mean and nasty "heathen" during these discussions! Bravo!!!
So, to answer your question, in my times of trouble and need... I simply don my goat fur leggings, cover myself in lamb's blood, and dance under the moon at midnight.
. . .
Kidding!
Seriously, in my times of crisis and need I turn to my family first, then my friends and draw upon my inner strength. I understand prayer is second nature to you, and I understand and respect that. But keep in mind, for someone who does not believe in god, prayer during a moment of crisis wouldn't even occur to them - why waste your time praying if there is no god?
Now, that being said... I am very grateful when people pray for me or my loved ones in a time of crisis. I take no offense whatsoever, and, in fact, am always grateful that they would show that kind of concern over my plight. I don't think it will do a lick of good, of course, but I really do appreciate the friendship and support shown by those who make that offer.
Believe me, I would LOVE to be a believer and lean on the strength of god and prayer in times of crisis. If I could "force" myself to believe, I most certainly would! I mean - how WONDERFUL it must be in a time of crisis to TRULY believe that there is a higher power that will guide your loved one into heaven, or help your loved one pull through a medical crisis, or whatever the situation is. I have nothing but respect (and a good bit of envy) for those who have true faith.
As unnatural as it would be for YOU to NOT pray in a time of crisis, it would be JUST as unnatural for me TO pray in a time of crisis. I have to look inside myself and lean on my family and friends for support. What do I do in a time of crisis you ask? The answer - everything I have to, and everything I can.