Our modern communications technology allows us to see weather conditions from nearly anywhere in almost real-time.
     Through the power and sophistication of computers anyone can access a tremendous amount of weather information.
     Advances in equipment have allowed television stations to make weather presentations both interesting and highly informative.
     Around the world, improvements in weather monitoring systems, radars, satellites, and computers have allowed for better prediction of severe weather events, and more timely issuance of alerts for threatening conditions.
     While nothing is static--change and new devlopments will always occur, nonetheless it does seem that human civilization has accomplished much in regards to understanding and predicitng what goes on in the atmosphere.
     Or have we?
     Our area remains in the midst of an ongoing drought.  Severe storms have brought tremendous damage and flooding  to portions of the U.S. already this spring.  Other weather-related disasters occur all the time.
     On this National Day of Prayer, I urge you to join me in considering something that isn't discussed much in regards to the weather...the power of prayer.  For those who are part of the Judeo-Christian tradition, there is plenty of encouragement to pray with the promise of how powerful that meditation and relationship can be.  A few specific references that come to mind include Psalm 34, Proverbs 16:3, I Thessalonians 5: 16-18, Philippians 4: 6-7, and Ephesians 6:18.
     Is it possible that if we were more prayerful the extremes of weather would be less, and more favorable conditions would occur?
     I had the opportunity of studying meteorology at a world-class institution-the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  I often wanted to ask the distinguished faculty their thoughts on the subject of the role of prayer in the influence on atmospheric events, but never did.
     Nonetheless, through the years I have wondered many times if things would be different if a more determined, widespread and disciplined effort in prayer was made.
     What do you think?