The concept of public prayer (what you referred to as providing
status) versus private prayer (the opposite) emerged fairly early in Judaism and was inherited by the other Abrahamic religions. It is alluded to and mentioned outright several times in almost all the holy books and oral tradition (if applicable). I don't think it's a problem with the religions themselves, although possibly with religious education.
I also find that in the West, most people go about religion by finding that which fits the lifestyle they already have. Very few are willing to sacrifice anything meaningful or make serious changes to fit a religion's teachings. It is much easier for them to find the sect of X religion that also allows them to Y and Z.
