prior life what hope can we have related to our present life? If our present existence is the result of something we could not control (from a prior life), what hope can we have related to our present situation in this life?
Our present 'existence' (state of mind) does not have to be related to a prior life. The scriptures explain having such a view results in having no hope &amp; leaves one stuck in inaction. 


  When one falls back on what was done in the past as being essential, monks, there is no desire, no effort [at the thought], 'This should be
  done. This shouldn't be done.' When one can't pin down as a truth or
  reality what should &amp; shouldn't be done, one dwells bewildered &amp;
  unprotected. One cannot righteously refer to oneself as a
  contemplative. This was my first righteous refutation of those
  brahmans &amp; contemplatives who hold to such teachings, such views.
  
  Tittha Sutta