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 like that?”

“It does,” said the priest, “if you can hit a home run every time you are at bat!”

We must always remember that God has given each of us unique skills, talents, and abilities. And, we must also remember that we are responsible to develop our gifts and reach our potential. Then, we must ask God to bless and use them to honor Him.

Prayer: May we always remember, Lord, that You did not give us our skills for self-centered reasons. They are ours to bless You first, then others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: James 2:17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.