A Talk With God

Our Father Who Art In Heaven. Person Praying
Yes? God

Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.Person Praying
But -- you called ME! God

Called you?No, I didn't call you.I'm praying.Our Father who art in Heaven. Person Praying
There -- you did it again! God

Did what! ?Person Praying
Called ME.You said,'Our Father who art in Heaven'Well, here I am.What's on your mind? God

But I didn't mean anything by it.I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day.I always say the Lor d's Prayer.It makes me feel good,kind of like fulfilling a duty. Person Praying
Well, all right.Go on. God

Okay, Hallowed be thy name . Person Praying
Hold it right there.What do you mean by that? God

By what? Person Praying
By 'Hallowed be thy name'? God

It means, it means . . good grief,I don't know what it means.How in the world should I know?It's just a part of the prayer..By the way, what does it mean? Person Praying
It means honored, holy, wonderful. God

Hey, 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. Person Praying
Do you really mean that? God

Sure, why not? Person Praying
What are you doing about it? God

Doing? Why, nothing, I guess.I just think it would be ki nd of neat if you gotcontrol,of everything down here like you have upthere.We're kinda in a mess down here you know. Person Praying
Yes, I know;but, have I got control of you? God

Well, I go to church. Person Praying
That isn't what I asked you.What about your bad temper?You've really got a problem there, you know.And then there's the way you spend your money --all on yourself.And what about the kind of books you read ? God

Now hold on just a minute!Stop picking on me!I'm just as good as some of the rest of thosePeople at church! Person Praying
Excuse ME.I thought yo u were prayingfor 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 .. God

Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups.Now that you mention it,I could probably name some others. Person Praying
So could I. ; God

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. Person Praying
Good.Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together -- You and ME.I'm proud of You. God

Look, Lord, if you don't mind,I need to finish up here.This is taking a lot longer than it usually does.Give us this day, our daily bread. Person Praying
You need to cut out the bread.You're overweight as it is. God

Hey, wait a minute! What is this?Here I was doing my religious duty,and all of a sudden you break inand remind me of all my hang-ups. Person Praying
Praying is a dangerous thing.You just might get what you ask for.Remember,you called ME -- and here I am.It's too late to stop now..Keep praying. ( . pause . . )Well, go on. God

I'm scared to. Person Praying
Scared? Of what? God

I know what you'll say. Person Praying
Try ME. God

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.. Person Praying
What about Ann? God

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.I've sworn to get even ! with her! Person Praying
But -- your prayer --What about your prayer? God

I didn't -- mean it. Person Praying
Well, at least you're honest.But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment isn't it? God

Yes, 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. Person Praying
No, you won't feel any better.You'll feel worse.Revenge isn't sweet.You know how unhappy you are --Well, I can change that. God

You can? How? Person Praying
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 problemas far as you are concerned. God

Oh, you know, you're right.You always are..And more than I want revenge, P
I want to be right with You . . (sigh).All right all right . .I forgive her. Peson Praying
There now!Wonderful!How do you feel? God

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. Person Praying
Yeah, I know.But, you're not through with your prayer are you? Go on. God

Oh, all right.And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil. Person Praying
Good! Good! I'll do that.Just don't put yourself in a placewhere you can be tempted. God

What do you mean by that? Person Praying
You know what I mean. God

Yeah. I know. Person Praying
Okay.Go ahead. Finish your prayer. God
For Thine is the kingdom,and the power,and the glory forever.Amen. Person Praying
Do you know what would bring me glory --What would really make me happy? God

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

YOU just did.! GOD