Ancient Practices Series - In Constant Prayer

I chose this book because my local church is doing a study on prayer.  This book interested me because it reminded me of a passage of scripture that means a lot to me about walking daily with the Lord.  1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18  Rejoice always,  pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Prayer to me always seems more communication and relational then what this book is proposing.  I studied it a little further and came to the conclusion that I do not like this book and its legalistic approach to our personal relationship with our Lord.

Prayer is supposed to be from the heart not from a script.  Matthew 6: 5-8   “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

This to me is what “The Office” is all about.  This seems more Catholic legalistic then Christian relationship.  For that reason I cannot recommend anyone who truly values a relationship with Him to read or study this book.  It will not bring about comfort, only more effort and scheduled worship.

I received this book free through the booksneeze blog program.  While the book was free my opinions are my own and not those of any other entity.

Pujols: More than the game - Lamb and Ellsworth

My entire sports life has shown me many truths in life.  One of the most important to remember is that everyone, given enough time, will disappoint you eventually.  It is our sinful nature that causes us to slip and because of that athletes, whose lives are magnified, should not be placed on a high pedestal.   After all according to Charles Barkley athletes are not role models.  Throughout reading this book a few thoughts kept coming to my mind.  I admit that they are not fair and not warranted but given this day in age and the high rate if disappointment in fandom I couldn’t control the thoughts from being there.

First, given the era that Pujols played we should be careful how high we view any him or any player from his era.  How disappointing would it be to find out that he was one of the many who tried to “get an edge”?  While that doesn’t change his place in salvation, it does place a chink in the armor of his morality, guilty by association only, but in the minds of many still guilty.

Second, would this story be written a year from know if he doesn’t resign with St. Louis?  How much of this reputation and love that Albert feels today from his fans would go away if he left them behind?

Third, how many times have we seen athletes who obviously are not living Christian lives throwing religion around when they need it?

Fourth, If Albert is such a wonderful Christian athlete, why is he not out there proclaiming his faith in a more real way, like Tim Tebow?  Tim is persecuted for his faith; Albert seems to get a pass.

The book itself is a great look into the life of a man who we would all be happy our sons looked up to (to the extent that athletes should ever been looked up to).  It is a great read for any sports fan, especially one who may not be saved.  I pray that Albert doesn’t fall like so many other athletes. 

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