I’ve watched this several times, read the reactions on youtube, and a handful of comments on my facebook wall. I have to say, I am surprised by the reactions. I find this prayer incredibly offensive. I would equate it to pornography, in that it takes something that is a gift of God, and makes it something cheap and meaningless. Perhaps Pastor Joe is serious in his “giving thanks” for “Goodyear tires that bring performance and power to the track”, but it sounded to me like a joke. Boogity, boogity, boogity? Really?
If this guy were not a Pastor, I would chock it up to immaturity, but he bears a responsibility to be an example of godliness and propriety. He is neither. He brings shame upon God, the church, and NASCAR.
Of course, that is just my opinion, your mileage may vary.
Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. –Eccl 5:1,2 (NASB)
Revision: I added the link on the word joke above after a friend informed me about where this prayer really seems to originate. It’s a mimic of a scene from Talladega Nights, where Will Ferrell’s character “Ricky Bobby” prays a pretty blasphemous prayer. So, as a friend of mine intimated, church mimics culture mocking faith = church mocks faith.
sunamijim.wordpress.com 
Amen! I am shocked and appalled at the number of people who not only thought this prayer was okay, but that it was FUNNY! I am ashamed to say that I did rent “Talladega Nights” when it first came out, but turned it off within the first five minutes. That this man calls himself a pastor, a man of God, is a mockery.
There are pastors that I know are defending this as funny. I do not get that.
Jim, lighten up. If Pastor Nelms can bring the joy of the light to to others in this manner, so be it. I surely do not see how he brings shame upon God, the church and NASCAR. Isn’t more likely that he simply offends you and your inability to bring the work to anyone other than most miserable and self loathing?
Brad, thanks for your input, what is the “joy of the light”?
boogity boogity boogie man