Let Us Pray

by Frances M. Shea

OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN

(My grandfather's up there too, so if you don't mind I'd like to say a couple words to him. Hi Gramps!)

HALLOWED BE THY NAME...

(I'm never sure how to pronounce that. Is it hal-oood, or more like hallo-ed?

THY KINGDOM COME...

(I often wonder just what thy kingdom is like. I don't know what your plans are, but let me just say I'm not in any hurry to see it soon. No hurry at all.)

THY WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN...

(I surrender my will to Yours completely, but don't forget that little list of things I asked for.)

GIVE US THIS DAY, OUR DAILY BREAD...

(And give me the strength not to add Twinkles and Haagen Dazs to the shopping cart.)

AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES...

(I promise not to buy any more tabloids. Honest!)

AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US...

(I totally, totally forgive absolutely everyone, for everything, except Joan who is just hateful, and maybe Mary Ann who never returns anything she borrows.)

LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION...

(Did I already mention the Twinkles and Haagen Dazs?)

BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL...

(Help me find the strength to turn the channel when a horror movie comes on. I love them, but they give me nightmares. Come to think of it so does the news lately!)

FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM, AND THE POWER, AND THE GLORY...

(Are there real pearls on those gates? And streets paved with real gold? I'm just curious. Please remember I'm not in any hurry to see them for myself.)

FOREVER, AND EVER. AMEN.

(Ah, I feel so much better when I pray!)

Frances Shea has had a long and noted career as a handwriting analyst. She works with individuals analyzing their handwriting to give them clarity, insight and new direction based on the deepest levels of their true character and personality. Frances has an employee screening service called Hire Write (Her web site is www.Hirewrite.net) She has taught Graphology at a local college for which she wrote a comprehensive workbook, and speaks widely on the subject. She resides in Pompano Beach, Florida and can be reached at 954-782-0867, email  fshea8@aol.com.