Why do some Christians pray to God during bad times? And does God really perform miracles?

[Spiritual]

People pray when bad things happen ,because that is what they have been taught to do. However, one important reason we should pray is because God invites us to do so. His word encourages us: " Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your heart and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6,7) Another reason to pray to God is that regularly praying to Jehovah God is a way to strengthen your relationship with him.
Miracles: they do happen to people but not the way they happened long ago. I have had many blessings in my life and I consider them miracles, for this to happen you must know how to pray read Luke 11:2 and John 14:6,14 also 1John 5:14. James 4:3 says, " You do ask, and yet you do not receive, because you are asking for a wrong purpose, that you may expend it upon your cravings for sensual pleasure." For more information go to http://www.jw.org