Absence of Evidence

In isolation, that phrase is really useless. What we should be focusing on is the burden of proof and the processes by which induction and deduction work. In other words, positive claims require positive evidence, not simply a lack of evidence for other claims. How would you know if you have not looked properly? That's the problem. The burden of proof lies with those who claim divine intervention occurs. Their inability to supply this evidence is a good reason to tentatively reject their claims.

I'm skeptical.

If we use driving as an analogy for skepticism, then yes, we already have years of experience behind the wheel. It looks like you are signing up for driver's ed.The vast majority of atheists are skeptics at heart, and the one of the first people we became skeptical while on that path was ourselves. Most of us think it is more important to not be wrong than it is to be right. That requires some self reflection and doubt, something that isn't as common amongst believers.