Ah, prayer . . . I think it was Ambrose Bierce that once defined prayer: "To ask that the laws of the universe be annulled in behalf of a single petitioner, confessedly unworthy."
Most people that pray for personal gain to be bestowed upon them seem to forget that old adage "God helps those that help themselves." Not a part of the scriptures, but a sage observation nonetheless.
Salt and Red Pepper 