Celebrity evangelist Pat Robertson may have overreached in 1988 in claiming that his prayers had steered a hurricane away from Virginia. But we're likely not the only local folks who, upon observing those incredible radar images of Hurricane Isabel, feel compelled to pray.

As one looks at Isabel's perfectly formed eye and considers its Category 5 superstorm classification, we sense our insignificance. We cringe its potential to harm us, our children, our pets, our friends and loved ones, our property and our community. Some of us rail that the suspense at what the hurricane might do and where it might go will last so long - at least four or five more days.

All we can do in this situation is pray that the good Lord diverts the storm northward, that Isabel dissipates harmlessly in the blue desolation of the North Atlantic - and hope that the prayer is heard.