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If we are honest, I think we would say that there are few things in life that are truly overwhelming. This hurricane and the horrible and tragic results that have come after would probably fit in the overwhelming category.

It has been so painful to hear the accounts of destruction and loss. So many people, many of them poor, elderly, sick and frail, have been lost and many others are dying even now. We talk about the power of prayer. Now, because of the circumstances brought on by Hurricane Katrina, we are being asked to put our prayers into action and turn to God.

I must confess that prayer is hard when I am angry and upset. I want to do something, to complain, to say what I think, to criticize. What would happen if we put all of these grumblings to prayer?

Is there anything ? even that which is most overwhelming ? beyond God?s reach? Maybe this catastrophe has caused you to wonder if that is true. Are there any fears or feelings that cannot be given to God?

Questions are always a subject for prayer. Frustration, anger, hurt, grief and anxiety are all subjects for prayer, as are not knowing how or why. Yearning for conditions to change is a subject for prayer.

Besides giving to the relief effort and seeking ways to reach out, prayer is the very best thing that we can be doing right now. When we search our hearts and look back through our past experiences, we are reminded that God does not leave us even when conditions indicate otherwise.

I was very moved one Sunday following the hurricane, at a church in Washington, D.C., to see the line of people coming to the altar to pray because they were touched in some way by the disaster. They shook with grief as the prayer was offered for their lost brothers and sisters, parents and grandparents, family and friends.

I also saw people donating items at a collection point over the weekend. It was a steady flow of people bringing items because they wanted to give. In the midst of the pall of sadness, I sense the resilience and resolve of people to do what they can. We go to church, we give what is asked, and we hold folks in prayer. Disciples respond with prayer. Prayer is care. Prayer is healing. Prayer is anything but passive. Prayer is asking God to move and act where we are not able to on our own. Prayer is acknowledging that God can and will act. For, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us and brought healing and reconciliation to a broken humanity.

We are a people of hope, for we are a people of God and we are a people of prayer.

The Rev. Rod Miller is director of connectional ministries for the Baltimore Washington Conference.