Prayer and the Heart
by Stan Pencak
Scripture: The Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-17)
Theme: God looks at our heart and the intent of our heart.
This skit is intended to show that we need to examine the motivations of our
heart and see people as God does. If we do, then we will love them and our
prayers become different.
Scene: A church. Three people and a
Pastor are in the congregation. (Light and emphasis on Pastor)
Pastor: "That was a tremendous
worship & song service. That was almost as good as a piece of Mary Sue's
Blueberry Cobbler and a cup of hot coffee on a cold Winter morning. Before we
hear from God's word , I want to do something different. I would like for us to
pray together about some special needs we have. What I will do is list them and
we will have a silent moment of prayer for each need where each one of us will
individually touch the throne of God. Now as we do ..."
Person 1: (Light and emphasis on
this person, who is dressed very well, thinking out loud): OK....that's
interesting let's try it....wonder if he got that from TBN...yeah...I think I
saw Benny Hinn or Rod Parsley do that. (Speaks out Loud) "Amen Brother
John!"
Person 2: (Light and emphasis on
this person, who is dressed as an average person, thinking out loud): We have
never done that this way before. I don't know if I can do that but I guess I can
try. (Speaks in a lower tone): " Oh...OK Pastor John."
Person 3: (Light and emphasis on
this person, who is dressed in jeans and shirt that are either dirty or ripped,
thinking out loud): Lord, I don't even know if I can pray - my life is such a
mess. I do things that I don't even want to do. My flesh - I deserve to be
punished - If I was a monopoly piece I wouldn't deserve to pass go - Yeah! Go
straight to Hell - Do Not pass Go - do not collect $200 (Pause) - (God - how can
I pray with such wonderful saints or to a Holy God?)
Pastor: (Light and Emphasis on the Pastor who prays out loud): ...Let's bow our heads and pray. "Father we come to You today and give thanks for all the blessings You have bestowed upon us..."
Person3: (Light and Emphasis on Person 3 whose head is bowed and thinking out loud): "Father, I thank you that You have forgiven me. I am not worthy, yet You sent Your Son Jesus to die on the cross for me. Is there any greater blessing? It is greater then a free all-you-can-eat buffet at the Golden Corral...."
Person 2: (Light and Emphasis on Person 2 whose head
is bowed and thinking out loud): "Yes, God thank You that you never
change and that You are the same every day. I guess I am just like You. Thank
You that I never change either not like other folks. "
Person 1: (Light and Emphasis on Person 1 whose head is bowed and thinking out loud): "Yes, God thank You that You are full of glory. Your light radiates glory just like my new set of clothes from Neiman Marcus. Nothing could be finer than to be dressed in Neiman Marcus and going to church in Carolina. AH! To be like God!"
Pastor: (Light and Emphasis on Pastor who continues praying): "...We pray as a church that we could be a light to the world. That we could serve others in need...."
Person 2: (Light and Emphasis on Person 2 whose head is bowed and thinking out loud): "God, to serve others but what about doing things the right way? The way we have always done them. "
Person 1: (Light and Emphasis on Person 1 whose head is bowed and thinking out loud): "Yes, Father thank You that I can serve others and look good doing it. To reach the poor and needy and not be like them... to show others that I am not like them ...not full of sin and dirty inside and out...thank You that I fast once a week .... and go to Bible study ....and give my tithes and offerings....thank You that I can be an example of what they should be ...a successful Christian...."
Person 3: (Light and Emphasis on Person 3 whose head is bowed and thinking out loud): "God...if somehow I could just be used by You to help someone. I don't have much but I can give myself to You if You would just use me I would be willing to go anywhere or do anything ....from downtown Wilson to Myrtle Beach to New York to Russia to Zimbabwe..."
Pastor: (Light and Emphasis on Pastor who continues praying ): "In Jesus name, Amen. Since we have just prayed, let's open our Bibles to Luke 18:9-17 and read a parable Jesus told about some people who prayed in church."
THE END
Bible Study
How does God want us to be pray?
Which person's heart was where God wanted them to be? Why?
How could each person pray the same prayer and God be honored?
Does God want us to change? Why or why not?
What was the difference in the prayers of those in the scripture study?