Article March 8, 1993 Issue

Earth's billions and God's care

Even in the face of humanity's most severe challenges, prayer is a powerful, practical help.

Lucia Johnson Leith

Humanity's future, many experts argue, hinges on whether population growth will outstrip earth's resources. An in-depth report titled "World Population" in The Christian Science Monitor observed, "Without major technological breakthroughs and changes in patterns of consumption, even the most optimistic population-growth projections are likely to be accompanied by increases in poverty, hunger, and environmental degradation" (July 8, 1992). These distressing conditions already exist in many parts of the world.

Our response to threats to humanity's well-being is immeasurably strengthened by prayer. Indeed, heartfelt and searching prayer is itself a resource. It opens our thought to a greater recognition of God's presence and power to bless mankind.

The Bible is an obvious starting point in learning about God's care. In the desolate wilderness, Moses and the children of Israel found water in a rock. They had fresh food daily—manna—which cost them no other effort than to gather obediently only what they needed for that day. During forty years, their clothes didn't wear out and their feet didn't swell.

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