this line for the Purpose Driven Life book by Rick Warren really sucks:

"Serious reflection on God's truth is a key to answered prayer and the secret to successeful living." (p. 190)

Why does that suck? Let me count the ways...two primarily. "answered prayer" and "successful living"? Is that what this Christian thing is about? Again thanks Rick, but you've helped me lose the plot once again....

I don't think that is the voice of the prophet calling us deeply out of american values and toward a life of sacrificial love for God and a world of hurting and disallusioned human beings. That sounds too much to me like chump change. When prayer is more like standing in front of the ATM machine trying to punch in the right code to get out the cash and life is more about personal success than sacrifice...

- posted by Jacob B. @ 9:08 AM