The Lord's Prayer in a Whole Different Light

Change your Thoughts - Change your Outlook;
Change your Outlook - Change your World.

The Lord's Prayer in
a Whole Different Light

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 I am here 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 is just 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. They 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 got control of everything down here like you have up there. We're kind of in a mess down here.
Yes, I know, but have I got control of you?

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

Now hold on just a minute! Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at church!
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 some hang-ups. Now that you mention it I could probably name some others.
So could I.

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.
Good, now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together ... you and me. I am proud of you.

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.
You need to cut out this 'bread' you're over-weight as it is.

Hey, wait a minute! What is this? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups.
Praying is a dangerous thing. You just might get what you asked for. Remember, you called me ... and here I am. It's to late to stop now. Keep praying.

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 the 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. Then 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 I forgive.
There now, wonderful! How do you feel?

Hmmm. Well not to 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? Go on.

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, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Do you know what would bring me glory? What would make me really 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.

Amen

~ Author Unknown ~

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