Does Prayer Always Work?

An avid baseball fan was sitting next to a priest during a baseball game. Aware of the need to speak religiously, the fan did his best to speak of Godly things.

A player came to bat, and before stepping to the plate, bowed his head in prayer and made the sign of the cross. On the first pitch he hit the ball over the bleachers and out of the park. On his next trip to the plate, he followed the same routine: he bowed his head and made the sign of the cross. On the first pitch he hit another home run.

Amazed, the man turned to the priest and asked, "Does prayer always work out there?"

"It does," said the priest, "if you can hit!"

We can never assume that prayer is ever a substitute for hard work or intense practice. We must always be aware of the fact that God has given each of us skills, talents and abilities. However, we are also responsible for applying ourselves diligently to develop them to the best of our ability – then pray.

Prayer: May we always remember, Lord, that You will not do for us what we can do for ourselves. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: James 2:17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.