Jake, the rancher, went one day to fix a distant fence.
The wind was cold and gusty, and the clouds were grey and dense.
As he pounded the last staples in and gathered tools to go,
The temperature had fallen and the snow began to blow.
When he finally reached his pickup, he felt with heavy heart
From the sound of that ignition he knew it wouldn't start.
So, Jake did what most of us do if we would've been there.
He humbly bowed his balding head and sent aloft a prayer.
As he turned the key for the last time, he softly cursed his luck.
They found him three days later frozen stiff in that old truck.
Now Jake had been around in life and done his share of roamin'.
But when he saw heaven, he was shocked! It looked just like Wyomin'.
Of all the saints in heaven, his favorite was St. Peter.
Now, this line ain't needed, but it helps with rhyme and meter.
So, they set and talked a minute or two, or maybe it was three.
Nobody was keepin' score- in heaven time is free!
"I've always heard, "Jake said to Pete, "that God will answer prayers.
But, one time I asked for help. Well, He just plain wasn't there!
Does God answer prayers of some, and ignore the prayers of others?
That don't seem exactly square. I know all men are brothers.
Or, does he randomly reply without good rhyme or reason?
Maybe it's the time of day? The weather? Or, the season?
Now, I ain't tryin' to act smart. It's just the way I feel.
And I was wonderin' could you tell- what the heck's the deal?"
Peter listened very patiently, and when Jake was done,
There were smiles of recognition, and he said, "So, You're the one!
That day your truck wouldn't start, and you sent your prayer a flying,
You gave us all a real bad time with hundreds of us trying!
A thousand angels rushed to check the status of your file,
But, you know, Jake, we hadn't heard from you in quite a while!
And, though all prayers are answered, and God ain't got no quota.
He didn't recognize your voice, and started a truck in North Dakota."
-Author Unknown
