Georgia Prays for Rain, God May Answer

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue and hundreds of citizens cried out to God for rain on the steps of the state Capitol, Tuesday -- and it looks like God might be answering.

The National Weather Service says light showers are likely across much of Georgia through the end of the week.

While the showers won't restore the several inches of rain lost during the summer, it is an encouragement -- a validation of Tuesday's public prayers for relief from the epic drought threatening the region's water supply.

Doing All He Can

Meanwhile, to cope with the conditions, Gov. Perdue has ordered water restrictions, launched a legal battle against the government for misusing local water reserves, and has appealed to President Bush for help.

The legal suit was dropped after Bush stepped in. But the governor's done all that he can do and the water shortages continue.

Now, he is calling on the Maker of heaven and earth.

"We've come together here simply for one reason and one reason only: To very reverently and respectfully pray up a storm," Perdue said when he approached the podium after worship had quieted down.

"It's time to appeal to Him who can and will make a difference," Perdue said.

Lawmakers and ministers joined the governor for the morning prayer vigil.

"Lord, let it rain. Let it rain on our rivers, our lakes, our streams, our creeks and our tributaries so that they may be replenished," prayed Dr. Maurice Watson from Beulahland Baptist Church.

Another Georgia preacher referenced the Bible as he encouraged Georgians to trust and believe that God can do the impossible.

"Matthew 19 and 26 says with men this is impossible but with God all things are possible. See, we need to pray and believe and we shall receive. Pray and doubt and we'll probably do without," he said.

Deputy press secretary Marshall Guest described the hour-long prayer vigil as "uplifting" and that the "audience really responded."

"The people who turned out were very supportive," Guest told CBN News. "It was a special event."

Praying from the Heart

Guest said a transcript of Perdue's speech was not available because the governor "spoke from the heart." But he noted that the entire service will be made available on the governor's Web site.

Perdue was also joined by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle in appealing to the heavens for rain.

"This isn't the first day he's been on his knees in prayer for rain," Cagle said of Perdue. "This is not a ceremony. It's an action of calling the entire state to pray."

Perdue, a Baptist, has mentioned the need for prayer several times. But Tuesday's event was the first public prayer for rain led by the governor at the statehouse.

However, the Georgian governor is not the first governor to hold a call for public prayer during the drought stripping the Southeast.

Alabama Governor Bob Riley issued a proclamation declaring a week in July as "Days of Prayer for Rain" to "humbly ask for His blessings and to hold us steady in times of difficulty."

Unfortunately, the region has descended further into drought status since.

Opposition from Free Thinkers

The Tuesday morning service didn't provoke much opposition. Nearby, some 20 demonstrators from the Atlanta Freethought Society protested against holding a prayer vigil at the seat of state government.

"The governor can pray when he wants to," said Ed Buckner, who organized the protest. "What he can't do is lead prayers in the name of the people of Georgia.

"It is also an absurd foolish thing to do and it makes the state of Georgia and Georgians like myself look dumb," Buckner told ABC News.

Police moved the protestors when they cordoned off the streets before the event's start. But none were in sight by the time Perdue led a prayer himself.

Calling Out for Help

"We acknowledge our wastefulness," said Perdue, his eyes cast downward. "We acknowledge that we haven't done the things we need to do."

"Father, forgive us and lead us to honor you as you honor us with the showers of blessing," the governor prayed. "Thank you, Lord, for the showers that come."

Sources: The Associated Press, ABC News, National Weather Service, CBN News