An atheist is hiking up in the mountains on a beautiful spring day and he is really enjoying himself. As he climbs higher on the trail, he hears a noise behind him.

He turns and looks and sees the biggest bear he has ever seen; a grizzly bear!

As he turns to run he hears the bear roar. He starts running as fast as he can. He doesn't need to look back because he can hear the bear's grunts and roars as the bear continues the chase.

Panic stricken now, he turns to God. Breathlessly, he says, "I know I have not believed in you but I would like to ask for some help."

He can feel that the bear is gaining on him just by the smell and sounds behind him.

A few feet farther and the man trips, falls and screams: "Lord, Help me!" The bear is almost on top of him.

Suddenly, a bright light shines down on the hiker and bear stops in mid-jump.

A voice comes out of nowhere and says: "Son, why are you calling on me now when for so long you have denied my existence?"

"God", comes the shaky reply; "I am frightened and could use a miracle at this moment."

The voice replies: "Okay". The bright light fades away and the bear resumes his growling and leaping but then stops.

The bear then bows its head, puts it's paws together and prays: "Dear Lord, Thank you for this food that I am about eat."