My prayer in a gambling casino

Originally appeared on spirituality.com

On a very hot day in July 2009, I checked into one of the famous casinos on “The Strip” in Las Vegas. I’d been invited to attend and speak at a four-day international economic conference. Based on my business experience, I was to give the keynote address examining two competitive companies in trouble because of the economic climate. All of my time was spent in a conference room, except coming or going within the hotel, but I could never escape the presence of the gambling casino.

At the end of the first evening session, I called home. My wife, Teri, asked, “How did it go?” I told her that the meetings were going well but I was having a bit of a struggle. As a spiritual thinker, I wondered if I was complying with the valuable guidance from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: “Never breathe an immoral atmosphere, unless in the attempt to purify it.” The casino, with its emphasis on betting and gambling, certainly seemed like an “immoral atmosphere,” convincing people to make poor choices.

Teri reassured me: “Your very presence is purifying it.”

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit