Article March 16, 1998 Issue

Your prayer—immediate help in a disaster

An account of healing following the Loma Prieta earthquake

By Nancy Ellett Staal

Do you ever wonder if prayer can help others far away who are involved in a catastrophe?

I know that it can. Prayer uplifts thought to God, who is "a very present help in trouble" (Ps. 46:1). Prayer has an inspiring, healing effect on both rescue workers and individuals needing to be rescued or cared for. Helping the victims of a disaster through prayer is practicing the Golden Rule: "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise" (Luke 6:31).

I believe I felt a tangible effect from the prayers of others when I was traveling alone. Late one afternoon, something suddenly went wrong in the airport where I was waiting to get a plane to another city. I was unable to stand up, metal was rattling, the electricity went out, and ceiling pieces and other debris were falling.

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