And when he had prayed three nights after this manner , he contrived to eat a bitter apple without a grimace until he came to the last bite , which proved too much for him . But Felix was vastly encouraged . `` Another prayer or two , and I 'll be able to eat a whole one , '' he said jubilantly . But this devoutly desired consummation did not come to pass . In spite of prayers and heroic attempts , Felix could never get beyond that last bite . Not even faith and works in combination could avail . For a time he could not understand this . But he thought the mystery was solved when Cecily came to him one day and told him that Peter was praying against him . `` He 's praying that you 'll never be able to eat a bitter apple without making a face , '' she said . `` He told Felicity and Felicity told me . She said she thought it was real cute of him . I think that is a dreadful way to talk about praying and I told her so . She wanted me to promise not to tell you , but I would n't promise , because I think it 's fair for you to know what is going on . '' Felix was very indignant -- and aggrieved as well . `` I do n't see why God should answer Peter 's prayers instead of mine , '' he said bitterly . `` I 've gone to church and Sunday School all my life , and Peter never went till this summer . It is n't fair . '' `` Oh , Felix , do n't talk like that , '' said Cecily , shocked . `` God MUST be fair . I 'll tell you what I believe is the reason .
Peter prays three times a day regular -- XXXXX the morning and at dinner time and at night -- and besides that , any time through the day when he happens to think of it , he just prays , standing up .
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