"A Conversation with God" "Our Father who art in Heaven..." (God): Yes? Don't interrupt me. I'm praying. (God): But - you called me. Called you? No, I didn't call anyone. I'm reciting a prayer. Excuse me ... And thanks a lot. Now I have to start over: (ahem) ... "Our Father who art in Heaven..." (God): There - you did it again. Did what? (God): You called me. You said, "Our Father who art in Heaven. " Well, here I am. What's on your mind? Oh! It's YOU! Yeah, but ... I didn't mean anything by it. I was ... you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always recite the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good ... kind of like fulfilling a duty. (God): Well, all right. Go on. Okay... "Hallowed be Thy Name ..." (God): Hold it right there! What do you mean by that? By what? (God): Hallowed? It means, ummmm ... 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 hallowed mean? (God): It means honored, holy, and 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." (God): Do you really mean that? Sure, why not? (God): What are you doing about it? Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there. We're kinda in a mess down here, you know. (God): Yes, I know, but, have I got control of YOU? Well, I go to church. (God): 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 TV programs and movies you watch? Now hold on just a minute! Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of those other people at church. (God): Excuse me! I thought YOU were praying for "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. Oh ... all right. I guess I do have a bad temper and I could be a better steward with my money and time. Those are some of my hang-ups, I guess. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others! (God): So could I. Oh ... yeah ... Well, I haven't thought about it very much until now; but I really would like to cut out those things from my life. I would like to ... you know, really be free. (God): Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together - you and I. I'm pleased! Look Lord, if you don't mind, I really need to finish up here. This prayer is taking a lot longer than it usually does. (God): Well then, by all means, continue. "Give us this day, our daily bread." (God): You need to cut out some of that bread. You're overweight as it is. Hey, wait a minute! What is this? Here I am doing my religious duty and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my faults and bad habits. (God): Praying can be a dangerous thing. It can change your life. You just might get what you asked for. Remember, YOU called me - and here I am. It's too late to stop now, so keep praying, <...pause...> (God): Well, go on. Ummmm ... I'm scared to. (God): Scared? Of what? I know what you'll say next. (God): Try me. "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us." (God): What about Donald? SEE!!! I knew it! I knew you would bring him up! Why should I forgive him, Lord? He's broken our marriage vows. I would love to get even with him! (God): But ... your prayer ... what about your prayer ... and forgiveness? I didn't ... um ... mean it. (God): 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 him. Boy, have I got some plans for him. He'll wish he had never been born! (God): No, you won't feel any better. In fact, you'll feel worse. You know how unhappy you've been? Well, I can change that. You can? ... How? (God): Forgive Donald. Then I'll forgive you; and then the hate and sin will be his problem - not yours. You will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned. You know, you're right! You always are; and I want to be right with you. <sigh> Oh okay ... all right ... I forgive him. (God): There now! Wonderful! How do you feel? Hmmm ... Well, not bad. Not bad at all! I feel pretty good! In fact, I don't think I'll be all up-tight tonight when I go to bed. I haven't been getting much rest, you know. (God): Yes, I know. But you're not through with your prayer yet, are you? Go on. Oh ... all right. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." (God): Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a situation where you can be easily tempted. What do you mean by that? (God): You KNOW what I mean. Oh! Yeah <gulp> I know. (God): Okay. Go ahead. Finish your prayer. "For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever." Amen. (God): Do you know what would bring me glory ... what would really make me happy? No, Lord, but I'd like to know. I really do want to please you. I've made a mess of things and I need your help. I want to truly trust and follow you. I understand how great that would be. So, tell me Lord ... how can I make you happy? (God): You just did. Author Unknown |
The More You Know The Lord, The More You Realize Just How Little You Really Do Know! |
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