Question

Hello and blessings,
Is your view on providence like that of Ran, one of the medieval Spanish authorities (Rishonim)?
: “This lower world has been handed over and is governed according to the system of the stars,” and therefore, “it follows that a person may be punished even when, based on his deeds, he would not deserve that punishment.”
According to Ran, the Creator made the world to operate according to the way of nature, and it follows from this that even the innocent will suffer from the evils of that system, since “God does not always alter the nature of reality, but keeps it going in its natural course except for a great need,” and “it is not the will of the blessed God that nature change for each and every individual.” However, if “a person’s merit is strengthened enough, then the blessed God will save him from it by changing nature.”
 
An additional question: are you familiar with various sages who wrote about the effect of prayer? Medieval authorities (Rishonim) who were doubtful about its effect (at least directly).
I saw a few reflections in the name of Rabbi Joseph Albo, but I haven’t had a chance to clarify the issue properly.
 
 
Thank you.