If praying had any effect, you probably wouldn't even get through the temple doors. If farming could make money, farmers would have no land to cultivate. If hard work could lead to wealth, even shoveling manure would require connections and bribes. If donating blood were good for your health, you'd be stuck in line for a lifetime and still miss your turn. If taking losses was a blessing, many folks would already be rolling in it. If stocks were profitable, you wouldn't even be able to open an account (for US stocks).