Yes, I believe that’s a part of it. Just the act of formulating “this is a problem that I don’t know how to solve, please help” sometimes starts some kind of problem solving of my own.
But another thing that “atheistic prayer” does for me is that if/when that thing happens, I’m more likely to notice it. And a problem dissolving by itself, or due to someone helping me, is something I really want to notice.
80s!