Get the people to church and get them to change their ways. In other words social control!!!

The Salvation Army tried that when they 'captured' the Eagle public house (Pop goes the weasel), the only problem was that the lease required them to sell beer which they had to do for at least a few months before they found a way of wriggling out.

There has never been an example of prayer having any obvious effect, during a long drought in Texas, the governer Rick Perry having decided that Texans "have been strengthed, assured and lifted up through prayer", promoted three days of praying for rain.

Presumably God couldn't be bothered to act or even listen as there was no rain for another four months.

There is also the contradictory situation of praying, a bride prays for a sunny day for her wedding while a neighbour prays for rain to water his garden, which one should be listened to?

Advocates of prayer however do have it both ways, you pray to find your car keys, do find them so God answered your prayer.

If you don't find them, it's all part of God's plan.