This entry from David Pogue made me chuckle:

"Oh, and what about when the flight attendant comes on and tells you that, 'The captain has just notified me that we have begun our final descent'? (Let's hope it's only the descent of the PLANE, and not my final descent, eh?)  

His whole rant on flight-attendant-speak certainly rings true. It reminds me of some annoying prayer language that I hear frequently. Phrases like "We pray that you would ______" or "We just pray that _____" really bug me. "Would" and "just" are out of place. Both usually sound passive and defeatist. Perhaps they are intended to connote humility. Instead, I think they suggest uncertainty.

If we're not sure enough of our petitions to pray them candidly, then maybe we should give them some more thought first. I think God can handle a direct request.