Georgia's Rain Prayer

From Daylight Atheism:

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue stepped up to a podium outside the state Capitol on Tuesday and led a solemn crowd of several hundred people in a prayer for rain on his drought-stricken state.

"We've come together here simply for one reason and one reason only: To very reverently and respectfully pray up a storm," Perdue said after a choir provided a hymn.

The logic behind intercessory prayer makes no sense. Does Gov. Perdue suppose that Georgians' prayers will bring to God's attention a need of which he was not previously aware? Is God forgetful, so that he needs to be reminded to send rain each year? Or did God knowingly cause the drought for reasons of his own - and if so, what arrogance it would be for a Christian to assume that they know better than God what God should do and that they can persuade him to alter his plan!

About 20 years ago, I had the same though process. Now, I believe that God is everywhere and hence He (She/It) is within us too. So, I think that our thoughts can result in physical manifestations.

Technically, I am with separation of church and state; faith-based initiatives shouldn't costs tons of tax payer's money. However, I prefer to see these Atheists show some compassion and respect the beliefs of these poor farmers who are desperately looking for some comfort; faith is a great healer. Unlike wars, this prayer didn't cost billions of dollars. If it resulted in even a slight relief to a segment of adversely-affected population, shouldn't we all be happy for them?