Living in Australia which is a dry continent, the dryest after Antarica, this is a real question? Many farmers go bust or suffer greatly because a of lack of rain but God made the country the way it is. So going to the knub, what limits are there on payer with respect to the obvoius when it comes to the physical world we inhabit? Ho, by the way this question arises out of the game of cricket where the weather has a habit of being as important as the state of play and refers to a book of the title used above about the Australia/England clashes in 2005. Of course I am being much more reverent about the subject matter than the mere game of cricket dear forumites. Chris
I’ll leave answering your actual question to others. But, I did want to mention that I personally know a church that prayed for rain during a severe drought, (when there was no hope of rainful according to forecasts), and the next day was RAIN. I’m not referring to drizzles. I mean, a downpour for several hours… if I remember correctly.
I don’t think it cowardly to pray for rain. But I can see where praying about the weather could create a dilemma for God.
Suppose on a particular day in a particular locality, a group of farmers pray for rain. On the same day, in the same locality, a group of golfers pray for a day of continuous sunshine. Is it possible for God to fulfill both requests?
Well… maybe— if he sends the rain onto the farmers’ fields only, and witholds it from the golf courses.
Paidion. Around here that could happen easily, but if it’s one or the other, I’m going with the farmers here.
He says to bring our requests to Him – but I think, at the same time, we need to humbly acknowledge that He may know better than us. 
Sonia
When they pray for rain in Africa - in Sudan, say - to water their crops and hence avoid a devastating famine, does God know better than us to withhold that rain? Or is he just being kind to Sudanese golfers?
Perplexes little old me.
No doubt things are a bit more complicated than that. God’s reply to Job might be relevant.
Sonia
Yesterday I prayed for rain and we got rain last night. I just happened to think about it yesterday because my yard was drying up and I’m too cheap to water it. But it is likely the farmers have been praying for rain for some time now.
I consider praying for rain or it to stop raining as part of “give us this day our daily bread.” “The effectual fervant prayers of a righteous person accomplishes much.” So yes pray.
Question Sherman - who is righteous? What is effectual prayer? sorry that’s two questions 
If it rains was it my prayer? If it doesn’t rain is it my fault? Hmmmm! Two more questions.
Hmm . . . a couple of days ago when I was mowing and noticing everything drying out around here (which it typically does shortly following spring), I asked Father, "If you wouldn’t mind, some rain would be wonderful . . . . " We just got a whole inch of rain (don’t laugh, ya’ll in Florida, and other rainy places). AND, it only rained pretty much right over our place. It was a 12 acre rainstorm, I swear. Funny, huh? I guess it DID rain a lot in Wyoming today, too, but that doesn’t count!
Well now we have Aunty Pat in our family. That seems to happen when she prays too so we ask Aunty and wait in expectation. I’m sure it’s not kosher but nonetheless it makes me scratch my head and wonder.
Who is righteous? Hmmm, none and yet us all. Righteousness connotes to me being in reconciled “right” relationship with God and others. What is “effectual” prayer? I think of this as persistant passionate (compassionate to be more exact) prayer. When Jesus worked miracles, the number 1 reason given for those miracles was “He was moved with compassion”. So it’s prayer that flows passionately out of love, love for God and especially love for people.
If it rains, was it my prayer? Hmm, sometimes yes but most of the time no. Most often it’s the combined prayers of many. Was it your prayer that was the “tipping point”, possibly, but if not for the others praying there would not have been a tipping point.
If it doesn’t rain was it my fault? Hmm, sometimes yes, but most of the time no, I think. I’m reminded of the prophet that had to pray and fast for 21 days until the answer came. The answer was hindered because of the “prince of Persia”, the demonic force that hindered the angel from bringing the answer immediately.
To me, prayer is not a formula, but a dance, an act of worship, adoration, and trust. It is sacramental in that it is a means of grace.
Sacramental? There’s a thought for a died in the wool non conformist to think on. I like your take on compassion to Sherman. I find so much to pick up on in this forum which blesses me a great deal. Chris