Our Father Who Art In Heaven
The Spirit
October 2002

Our Father Who Art In Heaven.

Yes?

Don’t interrupt me. I’m praying.

But—you called me.

Called you? No, I didn’t call you. I’m praying. Our Father who art in heaven.

There--you did it again.

Did what?

Called me. You said, "Our father, who art in heaven." Well, 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.

Well, all right. Go on.

Okay, Hallowed be thy name...

Hold it right there. What do you mean by that?

By what?

By "hallowed be thy name"?

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?

It means honored, holy, wonderful.

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.

Do you really mean that?

Sure, why not?

What are you doing about it?

Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you pause...

Well, go on.

I’m scared to.

Scared? Of what?

I know what you’ll say.

Try me.

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

What about Carol?

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!

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?

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.

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.

You can? How?

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

Oh, you know, you’re right. You always are. And more than I want revenge, I want to be right with You..., (sigh). All right.. all right.. .1 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.

Yeah, I know. But, you’re not through with your prayer are you? Goon.

Oh, all right. 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?

You know what I mean.

Yeah. I know.

Okay. Go ahead. Finish your prayer.

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

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. 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.