Susan, I am reminded of the story of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed. They all ran off delighted to be free from what, I am sure, they considered the ultimate affliction which could only end in a horrible death. Only one return to acknowledge the healer.

The "foxhole" mentality of many who make prayer a last resort is surely an insult to the one who laid down His life for them that they might be saved. And to just pray to anyone who might be listening is further insult. Could it be the One whose name you (rhetorical "you" of course) use as a by-word dozens of times a day? "Jesus Christ" or Jesus "H" Christ" or "Jesus *&*%^%$*& Christ". Or maybe the Deity Himself, as in "GD" or "OMG" or other such epithets. Are you going to pray to Him when the time comes? Well, maybe for something as important as a hockey game, He will understand and make allowances.

Oh, that's right. You don't REALLY believe in Him. That makes it OK. You couldn't be held responsible for something you didn't believe in or that you weren't sure of, right? Do you understand what it means to take the name of God in vain? Exactly what I have enumerated in the foregoing. Well, that's your choice, then and God definitely gives us a choice. He also tells us that a day is coming when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ IS Lord of all, whether you believe it or not.

If you are going to pray, know him to whom you are praying.