Prayer for Rain - Australia

The pleasures of water are treasures of all civilisations. The pain, disease and deaths caused by water shortages is an unnecessary curse upon humanity. To provide for the basic water needs of the world population is the greatest challenge of this millennium. Global efforts of support, subsidies and aid from governments, technological innovations, various schemes and efforts by other public and private institutions have produced limited tangible results to avert the impending water crisis.

In Australia, (with perhaps, the exception of Northern Territory) the rest of the country is facing a severe water shortage of varying degrees. The water levels in the rivers and lakes (for example, the Murray Darling River) that provide water to humans, animals, and crops are fast dropping to dangerously low levels. Governments in many states are enacting legislation to restrict the use of water to basic needs only. Other States are contemplating steps to prepare for water shortages. Tasmania relies on hydro electric power, and has had to purchase electricity from the mainland, due being in the grip of drought.

Drought has affected the livelihood of farmers with some in difficult financial circumstances and many could soon follow if the drought continues. The domino effect will continue and start to impact on the rest of the population and will ultimately affect our family.

Australia is a benevolent country, which has been in the forefront to help countries that suffer from environmental and natural disasters like earthquakes and Tsunami.

Now our country needs our help. We need more rain. Our farmers, animals and primary produce industry need more rain. It is not something that can be procured at an instance with money and equipment.

The Power of prayer

What can we do to help? How can we help?

We have the power to do something - our faith in Swami's Grace.

Swami in His Divine Discourse on the 14th of April 2007, with reference to the water shortage in Chennai said:

"Water is God's gift to man. Everybody has equal right over it …    Constantly contemplate on God. This is your total protection. How can people have any problem when they have this protection? Why fear when I am here?"

It is recommended that we pray with intensity for God's grace and compassion for Australia in providing more rain so that our rivers will once again flow with its plentiful bounty and lakes and dams are full again.

It is intended that our prayers are coordinated for maximum effect and each one of us can contribute to this effort wherever we are.

Suggested prayers:

(It could be prayer(s) given below or any other prayer the devotee chooses.)

1. Chanting of the Gayatri Mantra - 9 times

The following two prayers were taken from Sathya Sai Organisation of South-East Queensland Unity of Faith Rain Prayer on Sunday 27 August 2006 at Lake Wivenhoe).

2.

"Beloved Baba, we undertake this prayer in the firm belief and faith that you will, in Your great compassion, bestow rain on the people, animals, and crops in all of Australia and fill our dams with Your pure rain water."

3.

"In the name of our omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent Lord, who answers by many names:
In the name of Sai Baba, our Mother, Father, Friend and Guide
In the name of our Beloved, who resides in our hearts
We offer to Mother Earth our prayers for rain and Her wellbeing, with a heart full of repentance for our unconsciousness in the use of Her wealth, with a heart full of compassion for Her suffering, with a heart filled with love for Her and Her inhabitants, all creatures great and small.
May this offering bring restoration and wholeness to all.
May all the beings in all the worlds be happy.
May the power of Love heal all.

Some centres may have already embarked on different prayer ceremonies for rain. Please continue but it would be appreciated if these centres could work towards having the prayers at the nominated time to maximise our collective efforts for the good of Australia.

Other suggestions for consideration are:-

To pray as a group for a longer time on Sundays at EST 8.00 pm

IF 8.00 pm (EST) is in the middle of a group's weekly prayer meeting, they could pause at the nominated time for their selected prayer for rain.

If devotees are in the car, bus, train, plane or shopping, they can still make this special effort to pause at the nominated time to say their selected prayer either silently or aloud without attracting attention.

If special devotional singing meetings are held for more rain, it is suggested the 2nd or 3rd prayer be said before commencing.

We need to make a concerted effort to conserve water and manage it in a wise manner so that our future generations would not suffer from our mistakes of today.

Prayer for Rain Events

The Victorian Zones of the Sathya Sai Organisation have conducted Prayers for Rain in public, as an annual event, at Lake Eildon, Victoria. The next public Prayer for Rain will be conducted at Allambie, (near Warragul) on the Queens Birthday Weekend, 10-12 June.

The South Queensland Zone recently conducted a public Prayer for rain. You may view a photo album of this event.

A Guest Program with the Prayers and explanations is also available for your reading.