I have read into it a bit (keep in mind I grew up with no actual Bible reading) and honestly some of it does feel like knowledge I had to learn the hard way through experience. As for prayer, I don't know, I've tried a few times when friends or family were at stake, I don't honestly know if anyone was listening. Maybe I'm too much of a cynic ass.

But I don't spend much time thinking about death or existence as far as my own life goes so I don't really spend much time pondering it - my brain is very much oriented on solving practical problems not existential. Even when I was in hospital and it looked bleak I didn't really think about what's next. It doesn't really weigh me down, but I guess I am an optimist even if I'm a cynic. I have had a few (atheist and agnostic) friends mention to me that thinking about mortality without knowing there is a heaven gets them down and I can't really relate.

Some people use a next life as an excuse not to try make the best of this one.