> the Apple "person with folded hands" shown in the article clearly represents prayer to me, whereas the original Google one looks kind of creepy with its screwed up face

I don't think Google's version of the character is supposed to represent prayer, but rather asking for a favor (which seems much more useful):

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PlaWxKgYl60/TSvvov-JHbI/AAAAAAAAAB...

http://stat.news.ameba.jp/news_images/20150114/10/9a/z1/j/o0...

http://cdn-ak.f.st-hatena.com/images/fotolife/r/ranmaru-24me...