I am completely agreed with Julius. There is not a single place in the book or movie where anyone "prays" to a deity. The only people really "worshipped" are the elders, the kings, and those who have the rings. Unless somehow, by some twisted reason, you suddenly decide that Lord Sauron is this alter-God who likes to destroy people(if you believe that... go get help).

As for which work is better, HP or LOTR. I didn't even know there was any doubt. LOTR is entirely deeper and more touching. It deals with hobbits, who are tiny and whom no one ever expected anything from, and how four of them help save the MiddleEarth. For all you know, the end could be bad(it especially looks that way when Gandalf "died"). Now look at HP. It's about three teenage students and their adventures with magic. Whoopee. From the way the book is, you KNOW that the end is gonna be just fine. Plus they have magic, they can do ANYTHING. There's also no deep meaning except get good friendships because when you are royally screwed, it'll be there for you to lean on. However, in LOTR, you deal with perseverance, love, loyalty, friendship, temptation, etc. Actually, I have heard many people say that HP is merely a feeble attempt at imitating LOTR.

Seriously people, open your eyes.

Erika