Reply #464: I agree to a degree. In my experience as a Buddhist, prayer does have power.

[DesertDiamond]

Nichiren Daishonin wrote in the 13th century that the minds of humans and also of animals have the power of influence. This is not a denial of science. Rather, science is in the process of understanding the truth of this principle. In my own experience, chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo with the knowledge that it is really my own power making things happen has created very specific, amazing results.

That said, I totally agree that if we give all the credit to prayer, we fail to appreciate the courage and exhausting efforts of those courageous people who are doing the rescuing. I'm praying for a successful rescue, but I am not one of those people there risking their own lives to rescue them.