In the last few months, reports of floods in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas have caught our attention. Since I’m originally from Brazil, I’ve been especially closely following news of the floods being experienced there so that I can pray more effectively.
When we hear about large numbers of people affected in such an event, it’s easy to feel helpless and desperate. But in moments like this, we also see people’s humanity flourish. Volunteers come from afar to engage in whatever rescue work is necessary. They express God-given goodness and creativity, raising funds and collecting food and clothes to support those in need. They overcome fears and extend their hands to help strangers.
For instance, in Rio Grande do Sul, a man got a kayak and started saving people who were trapped because of the flood. He was estimated to have rescued more than 300 people, a few at a time. In an interview with BBC Brasil, he said, “If you’re helping, don’t be depressed. If you’re receiving help, know that you are receiving love. This will keep us together.”
Examples of unselfishness and care such as this inspire us to do whatever we can to help. Throughout my life, I’ve experienced the power of prayer. Prayer leads to action. Prayer supports action. Prayer is healing and practical.
When we are reading the news, prayerful moments help us recognize everyone’s innate ability to express God-given qualities such as resilience, hope, and strength.
Bible accounts demonstrate how practical these qualities are in times of need. For instance, Noah was warned that a flood would come, and he received God’s instruction to build an ark for his family and the animals. When the flood came, they were all safe in the ark and stayed there until there was no more flood.
The ark can be viewed as a symbol for God’s protection, as Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of the Monitor, explains in her book “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.” Her definition of “ark” in its Glossary includes “safety,” and “God and man coexistent and eternal; Science showing that the spiritual realities of all things are created by Him and exist forever” (p. 581).
This spiritual concept of ark shows how we can pray for the safety of those affected by floods. Spiritually speaking, they are forever protected by God, who is divine Love. Because everyone coexists eternally with God, even in the face of their seeming losses those affected can feel inner peace, hope, and strength to rebuild their lives.
Divine Science helps us see beyond the human picture into the spiritual reality of existence. In that spiritual reality, God’s creation is harmonious, peaceful, and harmless. The understanding of God’s harmonious creation brings solutions and transforms chaos into peace. Knowing this to be true is a prayer for the affected communities.
All that divine Love creates is loving, balanced, and controlled. God doesn’t punish, doesn’t take away, doesn’t lose control. God only blesses. Accepting this truth for everyone is a prayer that helps to rebuild lives and structures, and to restore homes and jobs.
Rebuilding may not be easy, but it can be successful. Another Bible example comes from Nehemiah, who was distressed because the wall that protected Jerusalem was in ruins and needed to be rebuilt. After receiving permission from the king of Persia, he went to the city and asked the Jews there to help him rebuild the wall. They accepted. But some individuals who heard about this tried to interfere with the work, so much so that the workers had to protect themselves, working with one hand and holding a weapon in the other hand (see Nehemiah 4:17).
In today’s rescuing and rebuilding, the best “weapons” to fight discouragement and despair are courage, hope, and the expectancy of good in overcoming challenges. These weapons are spiritually mighty because they come from God, divine Love, and they don’t wear out. When the situation feels daunting, we can stand up strong through the power of the Almighty, who always renews our strength.
Knowing that disasters don’t come from divine Love, along with recognizing that God, divine Mind, is the source of all intelligence, helps us to see that humankind is capable of collectively rebuilding wisely and according to today’s demands. Such rebuilding is accomplished through demonstrating the intelligence, honesty, and integrity that are ours as children of God. Our practical prayers help everyone.
Spiritually strengthened rebuilding is easier than trying to proceed without God. Let us unite in prayer based on the spiritual reality that divine Love creates all good and maintains everyone in harmony and safety.
