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Nothing fails like prayer... Or maybe Allah is the one true God, and the prayers of fantatical, fundamentalist Muslims were answered on September 11... Or maybe, doing something other than standing around mumbling to a being that (if he exists) answers prayers the way he wants to and not the way humans want him to... Maybe actions like churches raising more money for education in maths, science and english for underpivilged communities... Maybe actions like the church putting its time and effort into providing a real future for these children by pressing local business to provide more traineeships and jobs...maybe this could be helepd by a campaign for local people to support hose businesses that were assisting the people... God (assuming he exists) helps those who help themselves - and his plan will go ahead regardless of what you pray for. I like the dance troupe, however - inspire some creativity. I suspect, however, that the Christian nature of the group will keep many kids who might have been helped by it away...

Poor Fellow, you obviously do not know the True and Living God. All those things you described are fine but none of them reach the deepest part of the person which is their spirit. Only God can help the spirit which is in need of his Spirit. It is from the deepest parts of our being that we are truly able to be happy and whole. You want to put the cart before the horse. The Bible says seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added onto you.

It is sad to think that you believe prayer is about gaining economic gifts from God. Yes, he will bless you if you have faith in Him and ask Him to bless you. But, if you ask for a 25% return on your IRA, I think that's a non starter.

Nothing fails like an atheist without a clue.

I will pray that you at least seek some answers to your doubts. If you truly seek Him, you will find Him. As with any relationship, you must get to know the other. Please open your mind and heart. And don't look for the bad in this, prayer changes things. I would like to suggest you read two books from Lee Strobel. He was a Yale law school graduate who later bacame an investigator reporter for the Chicago Tribune. When his wife started attending church in chicago, he mocked her as they were avowed atheists. He decided to use his investigative reporting skills to prove to her she was wasting her time in prayer and at church. His years of research are published in two books- The Case for Christ and The Case for Christ. Lee Strobel, despite his years of atheism is today a changed man....and I'll let you read about what happened on his journey. These are life changing books! Blessings to you David.

God (assuming he exists) helps those who help themselves

Your ignorance is showing. The Bible says just the opposite. The statement the "God helps those that helps themselves" in NOT in the Bible.

You have my sympathy and my prayers, Mr. Gould. It is easy to hold the idea of God in contempt and derision when everything is going fine in your life and you, Mr. wonderful, are in complete charge of your life, fortunes, and your loved ones are in perfect health. When unbearable things start happening to the health and welfare of your loved ones and you can do nothing to help them, humility quickly replaces your arrogance.

I am fully aware that God is not Santa Clause or the good fairy, waiting out there to fulfill your every wish and command. Not all sick people are healed and not every prayer is answered as we desire it to be. Everyone who has ever lived before us are dead, no faith was strong enough to keep mortals alive and healthy forever. Death awaits all flesh. But I have had prayers answered and loved ones spared, and my own existance extended as well, against all odds.

God is in charge-his will will be done regardless of desires to the contrary, but time and eternity will show that he knows best, and if we obey his will we will, after all is said and done, and done comprehend the wisdom of his actions.