Ken:  (Thinks for a moment)  I don't remember exactly where it is.  But trust me, it's there.

Alan:  (Quotes the Scripture) '"If you hide iniquity in your heart the Lord will not hear you."

Ken:  That's the one!

Diane:  What's iniquity?'

Ken:  Sin!

Diane: (Indignant) You just said tresspass meant sin.  Now which is it?

Ken: Both!

Alan:  You've been awfully quiet, Diane.  How do you feel about doing a study on prayer?

Diane:  (Nervous) Me?  Uh, well....  Why study prayer at all? Just do it!  I mean, the way I understand it, prayer is simply getting in touch with your inner-self.  Meditating and visualizing what you want for yourself and others, then sending it out into the universe!

Val:  Oh brother.

Laura: (Incredulous) Sending it out into the universe? 

Sandy:  (To Laura) Does she mean God?

Alan: (With discretion) That's what New Agers believe, Diane, and it's unbiblical--

Ken: (Cuts him off) The Bible teaches that it's our confession that rules us!  Our faith activates God.  We can experience health, success, and abundant life by using our thoughts.  Thoughts can be either creative or destructive.  (Taps his finger on his temple)  You gotta use your thoughts creatively to get what you want--

Alan: (Cuts him off) Oh c'mon, Ken!  (Disgusted) What you're saying is that confession brings possession!  Jesus never taught that!  In fact, he taught just the opposite!

Sandy: (Cuts him off) Now I'm really confused.  Isn't prayer supposed to be based on God's will?  When    Jesus taught about prayer he said "God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven," right?

Val:  You betcha!  The Bible says "be joyful always, pray continually, be thankful in all things, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."  When I pray God's will for y'all.  I pray you'll be obedient and grow spiritually  --  that God will give you wisdom and discernment--

Ken:  (Condescending) Sounds very spiritual, Val.  But the Gospel of Mark says, "if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." So why not pray for a new car, or a boat, or a trip to Europe?!  That's what I pray for.  (Looks smug and begins rubbing his hands together)  I leave for Italy in May.

Val:  (Not trying to hide her annoyance) Oh brother.

Alan:  You've got it all wrong, Ken.  What you're forgetting is that the Bible also says "if we ask anything according to his will, he will hear us."