Sometimes we are like the person who learned to speak French in school, but hasn’t uttered a word of it or listened to it being spoken in years.
When we ask why God isn’t answering our prayers, it is quite possible that God IS answering, but it has been so long since we listened to the voice of God, that we don’t recognize it when we hear it.
Then when the hard times of loss and grief inevitably hit, you have a group of people that you know have your back, because you have been there for them through their tough times.
But being around other people where the language of God is spoken and spiritual practices are supported and shared, can really help.
God loves us and will hear our prayers and pleas, even if we have been ignoring God for years.