I think we are. I think payer is a very powerful tool, but I also think that God expects us to help care of each other when we can. It doesn't take much. Even a kind word can change a person's day for the better. Even when we do pray we do not always see God's answer because we are willing to accept anything less than a hand delivered gift.
I heard this story a very long time ago (while in church, I think). I have changed the wording but the message is the same...
There was a massive rain storm in a small town and the land was beginning to flood. As some of the people were leaving town, they passed old man Jenkins standing on his front porch. He lived alone and was a very private person who did not trust others very much.
As the rain continued and the water began to rise a boat floated by and someone asked him if he needed a ride out of town. Old man Jenkins replied, "God will save me if I need saving!" So they left him there.
Later, old man Jenkins was sitting on his rooftop watching the water continue to rise. A small motor boat came by and asked him to get in. They were offering to take him to safety. Old man Jenkins again said that God would save him and waved them away.
The rain persisted and the water continued to rise. By now, old man Jenkins was standing on his chimney and the water was just about to reach his feet. Suddenly another boat appeared and they once again asked him to get in. Old man Jenkins once again shouted that God would save him and he waved the boat away, so they left.
Well, the flood got worse and old man Jenkins was eventually washed away and drowned. When he got to Heaven, he was grateful to be there, of course, but he was confused. "God," he said, "Why did you not save me? I prayed and prayed and you did not save me?"
"Well," God said. "I sent three boats..."
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