Providence in LOTR?

[Greyhame]

While ruminating upon the content of my last post (in the "elucidation of truth" thread), I was reminded of what I feel to be the key concept which makes it possible to consider LOTR as a decidedly Christian (albeit implicitly rather than explicitly) work.

Themes such as sacrifice, compassion, redemption, and community are all prevalent in LOTR, but these simple virtues are extolled in virtually every major religion and/or belief system. However, there is a very real, almost tangible sense of divine guidance or providence woven seamlessly into the story. Here is the point of departure for me, for it seems to me as if the Judeo-Christian worldview is unique in its portrayal of a higher power Who still has a vested interest in and therefore an active role in the affairs of His creation.

Of course, we know that Tolkien was Catholic, but what are everyone else's thoughts on the prominence and importance of providence in his writing?