THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM among those who really do not know if prayers work or not, or why they seem to work for some and not for others. The only thing I know for sure is that the laws of nature (God) remain constant. The law of gravity causes things to fall. Water flows downhill to find its own level; and hot air rises that's why church ceilings are high.
I know also that failed religious leaders use prayer to bolster their image whenever the opportunity presents itself. If things go badly or not so good, they throw up their hands and declare it's God's will, nothing they could do. But if things turn out good or not so good, as in the case with Hurricane Ivan, they hurry to take credit: it was a result of their prayers. Any way the wind blows they come out ahead.
Come to think of it, the United States loves our teachers and nurses. Perhaps Florida would be interested in our very talented Christians in preparation for the next hurricane season. The Rev. Al Miller could lead a delegation. There are Jamaican preachers up there, but they do not seem to connect with the God of storms.
Pity the poor Haitians. God seems to have forgotten them entirely. I suggest we delay the present batch of refugees until we train them among other things, how to pray in English. Maybe, just maybe God isn't bilingual.
Too bad prayers are never answered. If they were, Perkins would have laryngitis and Delroy Chuck would get writer's cramp.
I am, etc.,
SIDNEY ELLIOT
32 Hialeah Drive
Kingston 19
