Beware of ‘slot machine’ approach to prayer

One of my favorite teachers and authors warns against “a slot machine” approach to prayer. He wrote:

“We have a ‘slot machine’ approach to prayer. All we have to do is insert a prayer and out will come instant fulfillment, immediate gratification, regardless of whether what we are asking for is moral, ethical, or possible, regardless of whether or not it clashes with the needs and hopes of others.