On eating before prayer

Hi,

"Rav Pappa decreed a fast [to pray for rain], and rain did not arrive. He felt weak, so he swallowed a spoonful of cereal, and then prayed. Rain still did not come.

"Rav Nachman bar Ushpazti advised [sarcastically], 'Perhaps if the master would swallow another spoonful of cereal, rain would come!'

"Rav Pappa was embarrassed and became upset - and then rain came."

(Talmud, Taanit 24b)

Have a great day,
Mordechai