1) "Our Father who art in Heaven."


2) Yes?


1) Don't interrupt me, I'm praying.




2) But, you called me.




1) Called you? I didn't call you, I'm praying. "Our Father who art in Heaven."




2) There, you did it again.




1) Did what?




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




1) 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 getting a duty done.




2) All right ... go on.




1) "Hallowed be thy name."




2) Hold it. What do you mean by that?




1) By what?




2) "Hallowed be thy name."




1) It means ... it means ... Good grief, I don't know what it means. How should I know? It's just part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?




2) It means honoured, holy, wonderful!




1) Hey, that makes sense ... I never thought what that meant before. "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven."




2) Do you really meant that?




1) Sure I do. Why not?




2) What are you doing about it?




1) Doing? Nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you would have control of everything down here, like you have up there.




2) Have I control of you?




1) Well, I go to Church.




2) That isn't what I asked you. What about that habit of selfishness you have? And your bad temper? You really have a problem there, you know. And there's the way you spend your money ... all on yourself. And the kind of books you read!!




1) Stop picking on me!! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those phonies at church!!




2) Excuse me! I thought that you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones that are praying for it ... like you for example.




1) Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others.




2) So could I!!




1) I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to ... you know, be really free.




2) Good, now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together, you and I. Some victories can truly be won. I'm proud of you.




1) Look Lord, I need to finish this. It's taking a lot longer than it usually does. "Gives us this day our daily bread."




2) You need to cut out the bread, you're overweight as it is.




1) Hey, wait a minute! What is this, "criticize me day"e;? I was doing me religous duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups!!




2) Praying is a dangerous thing. You could wind up changed, you know. That's what I'm trying to get across to you. You called me and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep on praying. I'm interested in the next part of your prayer.




1) I'm afraid to.




2) Afraid? Of what?




1) I know what you'll say.




2) Try me and see.




1) "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."




2) What about Bill?




1) See!! I knew it!! I knew you would bring him up! Why he's told lies about me, cheated me out of some money ... he never paid back that debt he owes me. I've sworn to get even with him.




2) But, your prayer ... what about your prayer?




1) I didn't meant it.




2) Well, at least you're honest. But it's not much fun carrying that load of bitterness aound inside, is it?




1) No, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even. Boy, have I got plans for old Bill. He'll wish he never did me any harm.




2) You won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. Think about how unhappy you already are. But I can change all that.




1) You can? How?




2) Forgive Bill, then I'll forgive you. Then the hate and sin will be Bill's problems and not yours. You may lose money, but you will be settled in your heart.




1) But Lord, I can't forgive Bill!




2) Then I can't forgive you.




1) Oh ... all right. You always are ... and more than I want revenge on Bill, I want to be right with you. (Pause ... Sigh). All right, all right, I forgive him. Help to find the right road in life, Lord. He's bound to be awfully miserable now that I think about it. Anybody who goes around doing the things he does to others has to be out of it. Somehow, someday, show him the right way.




2) There now!! Wonderful!! How do you feel?




1) Hmmm, well, not bad, not bad at all. In fact, I feel great. You know, I don't think I'll have to go to bed up tight for the first time since I can remember. Maybe I won't be so tired from now on because I'm not getting enough rest.




2) You are not through with your prayer yet, go on.




1) Oh, all right. "And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil."




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




1) What do you mean by that?




2) Quit hanging around the magazine stands where Playboy is sold. Change some of your friendships. Some of those so-called friends are beginning to get to you. They'll have you completely invloved in the wrong things before long. Don't be fooled. They advertise that they are having fun, but for you it would be ruin. Don't use me for an escape hatch.




1) I don't understand.




2) Sure you do. You've done it lots of times. You get caught in a bad situation, you get in trouble and then you come running to me. "Lord help me out of this mess and I promise you I'll never do it again." Do you remember some of those bargains you tried to make with me?




1) Yes, and I'm real ashamed Lord. I really am.




2) Which bargains are you remembering?




1) Well, when the woman next door saw me backing away from the neighborhood bar after I told my mother I was going to the store. I remember telling you, "Oh God, please don't let her tell my mother where I've been."




2) She didn't tell your mother. But you didn't keep your promise either, did you?




1) I'm sorry, Lord. I really am. Up till now, I thought that if I prayed the Lord's prayer everyday, then I could do what I liked. I didn't expect anything to happen like it did.




2) Go ahead and finish your prayer.




1) "For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever." Amen.




2) Do you know what would being me glory? What would make me happy?




1) No, but I'd like to know. I want to please you. I can see what a mess I've made of my life, and I can see how cool it would be to really be one of your followers.




2) You just answered me question.




1) I did?




2) Yes. The thing that would bring me glory is to have people like you respond to my love. And, I can see that happening between us. Now that those old sins are forgiven, and out of my way, well, there's no telling what we can do together.




1) Lord, let's see what we can make of me. Ok?




2) Yes, let's see ...




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