Nickhere:

"You said "Note: I have not postulated that a god would necessarily be 'evil' if not 'good' - he/she/it might be simply indifferent or not inclined to interfere with a world set in motion"

But in an earlier post you wrote:
"It's difficult to see this kind of deity as entirely benevolent - wrathful, capricious, vengeful, yes"

Which sounds fairly close to a picture of an evil God to me. "

The difference being 'a god' and 'the God (Yahweh) of the OT', who certainly appears wrathful, capricious and vengeful.

I think we are at an impasse regarding prayer. I would like to continue regarding some other concepts, but it will have to be later. ;-)