Among Tibetan Buddhists it has long been believed that marmots (similar to our groundhogs) are the incarnations of Lamas -- Buddhist priests. When they hibernate in the winter they are said to be meditating and praying. It is also believed that when the cat purrs, she is praying. The fact is that only humans pray. Indeed, it is only Christians who are assured that their prayers are heard. They have this assurance because Christians have a Mediator between man and God: Jesus Christ. It is remarkable that we who have such high privilege exercise it so seldom and sometimes so casually.