The Lord's Prayer

(The idea for this dialogue was not original. It is based on a previously written anonymous document)

The Scene opens with a girl saying her nightly prayers. As she begins saying the words of the Lord's Prayer, she is interrupted by a voice she has never heard before.

Teen: Our Father...

God: Yes.

Teen: Who is that?

God: No, Who's on first. What's on second.

Teen: Huh?!

God: Never mind. Just kidding. I like a good clean joke once in a while too. Now go on with your prayer.

Teen: (Slowly) Our Father who art in heaven. Hallowed be Thy name.

God: Hallowed, huh? What does that mean?

Teen: I don't know. It's just part of the prayer.

God: Well, I don't think you should be saying things you don't understand so I'll tell you what it means. Hallowed means holy, honored, respected. Get it?

Teen: Okay.... Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done..

God: My will? Is that what you want? What have you done lately to help My will to be done?

Teen: I receive Communion at Mass regularly. Isn't that Your will?

God: Good answer, but could you be doing more?

Teen: I suppose.

God: Then you should. You know what I mean... Keeping My commandments, feeding the hungry, Baptizing and teaching all nations. That kind of stuff.

Teen: Listen God. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but I've got homework to do.Couldn't I just say the words and get done?

God: You could, but why say words that you don't mean or understand? Beside that, words said in prayers and pledges are binding and just saying them might be dangerous.

Teen: Dangerous?! What does that mean?

God: You'll see.... go on with the prayer.

Teen: Okay. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses...

God: Here it comes....

Teen: (Quickly) As we forgive those who trespass against us. Give us...

God: Wait! That's it. Do you really mean that?

Teen: Mean what?

God: Do you mean that you want Me to forgive you as you forgive people who offend you?

Teen: Sure. I mean, I'm a forgiving person. Aren't I?

God: What about your sister?

Teen: Now wait a minute. That's not fair. She was wrong and I was really hurt by the things she did and said.

God: You've been wrong before, and I've been hurt by some of the things you've done and said. Sounds the same to Me. Now do you really want Me to forgive you as you forgive others?

Teen: No. I mean, I'll try harder to forgive my sister.

God: That's all I as. Keep them in your prayers, try your best, and I'll do the rest.

Teen: Can I go on now?

God: Yes.

Teen: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

God: I will if you will.

Teen: What does that mean?

God: It means, I gave you a brain that is capable of discernment. When you pray the Act of Contrition, you say, "avoid the near occasion of sin". This means that you should not purposely put yourself in harms way.

Teen: What does that mean?

God: I think you already know.... Friends that pressure you into trouble, situations that lead to sin, and material objects that separate us from one another. These are to be avoided.

Teen: Is that all?

God: Pretty much. Just think about what you're saying when you pray. I really am listening. Want to finish it up now?

Teen: Amen.

God: Nice touch. Know what it means?

Teen: So be it? This is what I believe?

God: Do you?

Teen: Yes.

God: I know.