Pray for more...

So today's sermon was on praying and making sure it is not just a routine prayer. We have had a similar sermon earlier this year from Pastor Powell but today the sermon was preached by Brent Fox, our new youth pastor. They had a skit that I thought I would try to redo here...if possible.

This is a one man praying...he starts out...

Our Father which art in heaven...

YES, son?

Baffled the man looks around...and begins again
Our Father which art in heaven...

I said yes...you called my name.

Quit interrupting me...I am trying to pray...and this would go so much faster if I could just get through this and go to bed...this is my nightly ritual...so 'shhhh'
Hallowed be thy name...

Do you know that that means?

Well...NO, I didn't write this prayer...so what does it mean?

It means my name is holy and when you speak it to me I know that you know that I am holy, but continue...

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven...

Really...do you mean it...you want my will to be done. Then lets start with you...

Wait a minute Lord...I go to church, I live a good life, better than some people...

Yeah but they aren't calling on my name right now...you are...so let's focus on you.
You could be living a better life and doing more of my will, living as an example...right?

Right, Lord...of course you are right...aren't you always.
Give us this day our daily bread...pause...

I think you have had enough bread...but continue

I am not sure I want to...you are picking on me...and I already know what you are going to say...

Maybe...but finish...please.

Ok...And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors

What about 'Amy'?

See God I knew you were going to bring her up...but you don't understand...she owes me money and I want it back and if she doesn't pay me the $3.00 she owes me...she is going to be sorry...
you can see why I can't forgive her...would you?

Yes, son I would...but you have to forgive her too...it will make you feel better...I promise...come on, say it with me...I forgive Amy.

I forgive Amy...you are right...I do feel better...
And now the anger and discord is on Amy...not you.
Ok...well I am going to finish this up Lord...this is taking a little longer than I am used to...
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil...

But have you forgotten that you need to remove yourself from places of temptation? Don't put yourself in a place where you know you can't handle...

But Lord...I don't know what you mea....OK...you are right there is that one thing...I will work on it.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
WHEW...Glad that is over with..

Thank you son...for your time...talk to you soon.

It is so often that we pray our ritual prayers and forget the meaning behind it or forget that we are having a conversation with God. Not just reading a book or listening to a teacher talk but we are having an ongoing conversation with God.

So as we go forward and Wayne and I pray about this possible mission trip to Africa...pray that we can be open to God's will for us and that we can fulfill what we are sent there to do. I added the song "Open the eyes of my heart"...I think it is fitting right now for what we need to do...let him talk to us.