Pastors are often asked to offer a prayer at public events. But what sort of prayer is best for these gatherings outside the church? Pastor Joe Nelms has been getting a lot of press for the opening prayer he offered at a NASCAR event recently. Along with thanking God for his "smokin' hot wife," he also thanked the Almighty for Toyota, Ford, and Goodyear Tires–remarks that have led critics to accuse him of prayer product placement.

What do you think of Pastor Nelms's prayer? Was it appropriate, over the line, a good way to show non-believers that not all Christians are "sticks in the mud," or just painful? And are there any lessons here for the rest of us?