[L finds it interesting that Light keeps his notions of prayer limited to small and mundane and familial things. No grand overarching concepts of reshaping a rotten world, here. Is that intentional? Does Light realize that L is specifically fishing for this?

Probably; they are Bonded, after all, and there's only so much L can conceal about something this close to the core of his being.]

That goes two ways. When you put what's beyond your control into the hands of a higher power, you're giving implicit permission for that higher power to take, as well as give. I don't find the notion that some higher will can deliberately screw me over to be tremendously comforting, or hopeful. Then again... I've been fortunate, in my life, to have my will carried out more often than not. Most of the time, I haven't yearned for a higher power, but tripped over lesser ones and the red tape they wielded like talismans.

I would ask about the metric you're using to decide that they do have more power and knowledge. Do you need hope so much that a charismatic voice can deliver it with virtually any message, or do you feel empowered enough to think that you're doing OK for yourself? What is Alder doing that you, yourself, couldn't do?