“Yes. How can I help you?”
”Hein? Who’s that?”
“You called me. I’m listening …”
”I didn’t call anybody … I was just praying … The Lord’s Prayer! Our Father who art in Heaven …”
“That’s me … Your Father in Heaven … now carry on praying …”
“Eh … Hallowed be Thy name …”
“Ha … Do you remember when you were very young you used to say ‘Harold be Thy name’? For a long time you were convinced my name is Harold; until someone put you right. What does it mean anyway … Hallowed be Thy name?”
“Eh … hmmm … does it mean you are Holy?”
“That’s right … carry on …”
“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.”
“Hold it just there … Do you really mean what you just said?”
“Sure, of course I do …”
“Or do you mean ‘Thy will be done’ as long as it is what you want? Do you really accept my will all the time? Even when it’s not convenient for you, or when life gets a little difficult?”
“Well … sometimes when things get really bad I get very worried …”
“At least you’re honest. Remember this always; when things are really bad for you it is still my will. I allow it to happen but I never abandon you. I’m always close to you … all you have to do is trust me.”
“Gee … thanks.”
“Carry on …”
“Give us this day our daily bread …”
“Let’s stop again … This means that I will provide for all your needs. It’s good of you to ask; but rest assured that I will always provide you with what you need. Go on with your prayer …”
“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us …”
“Even your neighbour?”
“What?”
“You never forgave your neighbour after that argument you had a few days ago … In fact you still hope that you’ll get even some day …”
“But … but … You know it was his fault!”
“Of course it was … and he did apologise. But unless you truly forgive him, you truly no longer hold a grudge and have no ill-will or ill-feelings towards him; it doesn’t count does it?”
“That’s not always easy …”
“I agree … But true forgiveness means that you no longer wish any retribution or revenge against those who have hurt you. Sure … you’ll always remember the wrong done to you, but let that be a reminder to forgive them once again and to pray for them.”
“Can I go on now?”
“Yes …”
“And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil.”
“This bit is a reminder that Satan is always there trying to take you away from me. He tried to tempt my only Son Jesus, so you’re not going to be much of a challenge to him. Whenever he tries to lead you astray repeat those words over and again and I will come to your help.”
“Thank you …”
“It’s getting late … go to sleep now!”
