SO much more than a LAST RESORT

In this big world there are times that, little me, I feel helpless and without any means of purpose. Not in my own individual life but in the bigger picture of the world. I felt particularly helpless this past two weeks as I watch the disaster that struck Haiti. Ever know you are supposed to do something but know that anything you had to offer was of little to no use? I know that like anyone else who watches helplessly I can pray. But all I can do is pray.. Just pray cause otherwise I could go insane wishing I could do something more.
Then God and a friend reminded me. Prayer should be my first response not my last resort. Prayer even if it ends up being the only thing I could do is the most powerful action I can make.
James 5:17 "The earnest prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Alfred, Lord Tennyson said, "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of."
I can always be reminded that prayer is my first line of defense. Prayer is called powerful and effective, which let us be honest, is more than what results from our best effort actions at most times. Prayer stirs the heart of God who hasn't turned away once from the cries rising from Haiti. Prayer is our mere human effort to reach out to the divine. This is no excuse, this is the belief that prayer is not a waste of time and that prayer is indeed POWERFUL and EFFECTIVE. The belief that the power of God can do more than I can dream of. Do you realize that your prayers, though they may never have the answer spelled out, can be answered in ways you do not see or understand. Prayers are never forgotten. If we saw everything wrought by our prayers, I believe we would never stop praying. I believe our prayers keep things from happening that we will never know about. You don't have to feel like all else has failed to pray. Prayer is so much more than a last resort.