"My dear Father in Heaven...
"Yes?
"Don't interrupe me. I'm praying.
"But you called me. You said, 'My dear Father in Heaven.' Here I am.
What do you have on your mind?
"But I didn't mean anything by it. I was just saying my prayers for the night. I always say my prayers. It makes me feel good - - like getting my duty done.
"All right. Go on.

Bless the missionaries to be led to the doors of the honest in heart.
"You mean people like Margaret?
"Margaret?
"Yes. The woman around the corner.
"That Margaret? But she smokes and never goes to church.
"Have you had a look at her heart lately?
"Of course not. How can...
"I've looked, and hers is one of those honest hearts that you were just praying about.
"Well then, get the missionaries over there. Do you think I like having a nonmember for a neighbor?
"You're supposed to be a missionary. Everyone is a missionary.
"Hey, wait a minute. What is this, 'Criticize Me Day'? Here I am, doing my duty, keeping your commandment to pray; and all of a sudden, you break in and start reminding me of all my problems.
"You called me. And here I am. Keep on praying. I'm interested. Go on.

"Please forgive me of all my sins, and help me to forgive others."
"What about Bill?
"See! I knew it! I knew you'd bring him up! Listen Father, he told lies about me, and I lost a job. Everyone in that office thinks I'm a first-class creep, and I didn't do anything. I'm going to get even with him.
"But your prayer. What about your prayer?
"I didn't mean it.
"Do you enjoy carrying that load of bitterness around?
"No I don't. But I'll feel better as soon as I get even.
"Do you want to know somthing?
"What?
"You won't feel better. You'll feel worse. Listen to me, you forgive Bill, and I'll forgive you.
"But, Father, I can't forgive Bill.
"Then I can't forgive you.
"No matter what?
"No matter what. But you're not through with your prayer yet. Go on.
"Look, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than usual.

Pelase help me not to fall into temptation.
"Good. I'll do that. But you stop putting yourself in all those places where you can be tempted.
"What do you mean by that?
"Stop hanging around the magazine racks and spending so much time in front of the TV. Some of that material will get to you sooner or later. You'll find yourself involved in some unfortunate things before long.
"I don't understand.
"Yes, you do. You find yourself in a crisis situation, and then you come running to me. 'Father, help me out of this mess, and I promise I'll never do it again.' It's amazing how the quality and intensity of your prayers improve when you are in trouble. Do you remember some of those bargains you've made with me?
"Wait a minute. I want to ask you a question. Do you always listen to my prayers?
"Every word. Every time.
"Then how come you never talked back to me before?
"How many chances have you given me? There's not enough time between your 'amen' and your head hitting the pillow for me to draw a breath. How am I supposed to give an answer?
"You could, if you really wanted to.
"No, I could if you really wanted me to. I always want to.
"Father, I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?
"I already have. And thank your for letting me interrupt. I get lonely to talk to you sometimes. Good night. I love you.
"Good night. I love you, too."