Sympathy or Prayer?

All of Australia it seems is looking with great interest and horror as the flooding continues to increase in Queensland.  During the news telecasts last night, it was repeated over and over that last week it was believed the worst had passed with the flooding of Rockhampton.  A huge flash flood suddenly went through Toowoomba, and the water which surged through the town is now on its way to Brisbane which is expected to flood severely, possibly greater than the massive floods of 1974.  As we watched the continuing coverage last night, Prime Minister Julia Gillard addressed those directly impacted by the floods:  "Our thoughts and sympathies are with you."  As I watched the footage shown again and again, I heard similar statements by journalists and politicians:  "You have our thoughts and best wishes."

Coming from the United States, I sensed a cultural difference.  Even non-Christians in America would say, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those affected."  It sometimes may be hypocrisy, but that is a common emphasis in times of tragedy in America:  prayers.  And by saying "prayers" it is an encouragement to appeal to God, clearly announcing His existence.  It is commonly known that PM Julia Gillard is an atheist, so one would not expect her to pray.  My question is, what is the power of "sympathy" compared to the power of God through the prayers of His people?  Has sympathy caused fire to fall from heaven to consume an offering, or has sympathy made water flow from a rock?  Has sympathy cured one person of disease or caused someone to rise from the grave?  Has sympathy brought victory in a single battle or caused a person to receive comfort through Christ which cannot be taken away?  No.

Our continual need is to seek and entreat the One True God, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, who alone is able to save.  It is good and right that we sympathize and empathize with people, feeling their pain and doing what is in our power to assist.  If we were to see someone swept away with a torrent of water, we ought to extend a hand to catch them, not fall to our knees and ask God to send someone to help!  There are times when we can offer practical, physical assistance.  But there is no assistance more practical and needed than the power of prayer!  It is both the least we can do and the most we can do.  Our God is able to cause the storms to cease and be still with a word, and all power and authority in heaven and on earth is the LORD's.  Should we not faithfully petition such a God for help, that His name with be glorified through lives being saved and souls eternally preserved?

Please keep those who are suffering and displaced in these floods in your prayers, as well as all others throughout the world who have no power to save themselves.  Pray for our Prime Minister, that she might be exposed to the powerful saving hand of God and one day say of Christ, "My LORD and my God."  When faced with trials, is it your tendency to pray?  Sympathy is not enough when prayer is required!