GIVING UP ON PRAYER



More information about GIVING UP ON PRAYER MAIN POINT It's no surprise that prayer is one of the most constantly discouraging aspects of the Christian life. Many people approach the subject with a kind of diet-plan mentality. They have initial success, but then can't sustain the progress. That's because they're focusing on the prayer time itself, instead of God in all his magnificent greatness. Anyone who focuses on God's character won't have trouble with a consistent prayer life. But it's first things first. You can't concentrate on the end and skip the means to that end. As Brother Lawrence said in 1605, a deep, quiet prayer life flows out of a sort of passing awareness of God that lasts all day long. CHARACTERIZATION The unnamed businessman needs to be a likable, down-to-earth guy. He doesn't take himself too seriously, and isn't interested in charades. He wants to do what is right, but has trouble reining in his natural self to fit what he's been taught is right. Eager to get over the hypocrisy, he is willing to settle for a somewhat unconventional honesty.. DIRECTOR'S NOTES 1) This sketch is easy to stage. You need minimal space, easy blocking and just a few simple props. It can be performed virtually anywhere. 2) Gender is not essential here. The businessman can just as easily be a businesswoman. 3) Time the prop changes at whatever intervals fit. You can even add a few. The important thing is to create a harried feel. 4) No need to worry about exiting here, as the sketch gets the businessman off the stage automatically. RELATED SCRIPTURES 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 is perhaps the best synopsis of an active, all-day prayer life. See also Colossians 3:1-3 and 3:17-4:2. Psalm 139 also provides the picture of an intimate, ongoing relationship with God. RELATED THEMES Besides prayer, you could also use this script in conjunction with teaching about God's character, spiritual disciplines, priorities or stress.