Our Father Who Art In Heaven...

Yes?

Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.

I am only answering your call.

No, I didn't call you. Like I said, I'm praying. *ahem* Our Father who art in Heaven...

Yes? You did it again.

Did what?

Called me, child. You said, "Our Father who art in Heaven". Here I am. What's on your mind?

But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like fulfilling a duty.

I see. Go on.

Okay, Hallowed be thy name

Stop there for a moment, please.

Why?

What do you mean by that?

By what?

By "Hallowed be thy name"?

It means--um, it means...good grief, I don't know what it means. Hey, how in the world should I know? It's just a part of the prayer.
By the way, what does it mean?

It means honored, holy, wonderful.

Oh. That makes sense. I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before. Thanks.
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.

Do you really mean that?

Sure, why not?

What are you doing about it?

Doing? Um, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be good if you got control, of everything down here like you have up there. We're kinda in a mess down here you know.

Yes, I know; but, have I got control of you?

Well, I go to church.

That isn't what I asked you. What about your temper? You really have a problem there, you know. There is also the way you spend your money -- on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read? Or the music you listen to? The movies you watch?

Now hold on just a minute! Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at church!

I never said you weren't, but I thought you were praying
for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it.
Like you -- for example.

Hmm. I never thought about it that way. I guess I do have some hang-ups, now that you mention it, I could probably name some others. But...but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free.

Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together -- You and ME. Not everyone can figure that out.

Figure what out?

How to gain true freedom.

Look, Lord, if you don't mind, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does, and I have to get up early tomorrow.
Give us this day, our daily bread.

You should probably cut out the bread. You are overweight as it is.

Hey, wait a minute! What is this, pick on me night? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my problems!

Praying is a dangerous thing. You just might get what you ask for. Remember, you called me, and here I am. Do you really want to stop?
Keep praying. (...pause...)
Well, go on.

I'm scared to.

Scared? Of what?

I know what you'll say.

You do?

Fine. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

What about Ann?

See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories. She never paid back the money she owes me, so I've sworn to get even with her!

But, your prayer... What about your prayer?

I didn't -- mean it.

Well, at least you're honest. But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment isn't it?

Well yeah, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her! Boy, have I got some plans for her. She'll wish she had never been born.

*sadly* No, you won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet.

Right now, how unhappy are you?

Well...

If you want, I can change that.

You can? How?

Forgive Ann. Then, I'll forgive you; And the hate and the sin,
will be Ann's problem -- not yours. You will have settled the problem
as far as you are concerned.

*skeptical* Really?

You know I can't lie to you. I love you too much.

Maybe, you're right. I guess you always are...and I guess that more than I want revenge, I want to be right with You...(sigh).

All right all right, I forgive her.

There now! Wonderful!
How do you feel?

Hmmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all! In fact, I feel pretty great!
You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight. I haven't been getting much rest, you know.

Yes, I know.

That's why you answered me like this, isn't it...because deep down, I really wanted you to?

*chuckle* You're not through with your prayer are you? Go on.

Oh, okay.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.

What do you mean by that?

Like that party on Saturday.

But I really wanted to go to that!

But who will be there? Are those the kind of people that would encourage you to be a better person?

I--I guess not. They'd probably take all my stuff when I wasn't looking.

Or worse.

*gulp* Really? But they might not.

It is your choice, but by putting yourself into that kind of a situation, especially after praying like this, you're telling me you don't want me to look out for you, and I will respect that, if it is what you wish.

Yeah, *sigh* I know.

I know you do. Now, go ahead. Finish your prayer.

For Thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory forever.

Do you know what would bring me glory -- What would really make me happy?

No, but I'd like to know. I want to please you now. I've really made a mess of things, and I want to truly follow you. I can see now how great that would be.
So , tell me . . .
How do I make you happy?

You just did.

Really? *Grin* Then I'll have to do this again tomorrow night. Goodnight, Father.

Goodnight, my precious child.

Amen.

Obi's notes--Just food for thought. What do we really say in our prayers? My church believes that prayers should be from the heart, and thus we have very few repeated prayers. I can count four. But even if you like to repeat the Lord's Prayer every night, take time and really be honest with yourself about how you think God would reply (and probably is replying, but most of us just can't physically 'hear' him) then you might find ways to grow that you never even thought about.

It probably won't be easy, and it will probably be painful...but it will be very worth it.

Love ya!