Prelude:
It’s a week before Easter Sunday, and Grandma Rose is getting the house ready for the family gathering that they have every year at this time. Grandma Rose’s daughter, Faith, along with Faith’s son, are currently living with her. Her star-struck daughter Faith is on her way to D.C. to audition for Gospel’s Best.

Lights up:
[Grandma Rose is praying while she cleans the living room. Vashon cracks the door when he hears his grandmother talking to herself. After about ten seconds of listening to his grandmother, Vashon enters.]

Grandma Rose
Thy kingdom come thy will be done. Not my will, Father, but your will be done. I know that you have my best…..
[Turning around after hearing the door shut behind Vashon.]
Hey, Shonie.

Vashon
(Curious)
Grandma, who were you talking to?
[Puts his college letters on the coffee table, then tosses his jacket onto the arm of the sofa. He picks up his letters again.]

Grandma Rose
When, child?

Vashon
A few minutes ago.

Grandma Rose
(Realizes that she was just praying.)
Oh, baby, Grandma was just praying out loud.

Vashon
(Curious)
What were you praying for, Grandma?

Grandma Rose
[Going to take a seat.]
Hold on, baby. Let me sit down and rest my feet.
Now, what were you saying?

Vashon
I was trying to figure out what you were saying.

Grandma Rose
Oh, I say bits and pieces of the Our Father’s prayer throughout the day.

Vashon
Grandma….it won’t make sense if you say it like that.

Grandma Rose
Sure it does, Shawnie.
[Picks up her knitting tools from the end table.]
You see, I give glory to the Father when I say “Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name” early in the morning. Around about noon time, I’m saying “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.” I’m letting the Father know that I understand that whatever He has for me is for me. I’m here to do his will. And around supper time, I’m asking him to deliver me from evil and temptation. By the end of the day, I’m asking the Lord for forgiveness of my sins, but first I ask the Lord to help me to forgive others who’ve done me wrong.

Vashon
Why do you pray like that, Grandma?


Grandma Rose
That’s my way of keeping the devil out. You see, most people pray to cast the devil out when trouble comes. That works, too, but I find it easier to meditate on the Lord throughout the day in secret. When I pray in secret, He rewards me openly. Remember that, Shawnee.

Vashon
Grandma, I’m not into the praying thing.

Grandma Rose
What are you talking about, Vashon?

Vashon
What do I need to pray for, Grandma?

Grandma Rose
What are you talking about, Vashon? The Bible says that the prayers of a righteous man availeth much.

Vashon
Grandma, I just received three letters from three of the top Historical Black Colleges and Universities, and they’re all offering me a full football scholarship and I didn’t pray for either one of them.

Grandma Rose
The devil is a lie. First of all, you’re going to stop with that kind of talk in this house. We believe in prayer in this house. You understand me?

Vashon
Yes ma’am, but….

Grandma Rose
Ain’t no but. You kids today believe that everything just happens, and you think you know it all. What you don’t know is that you may not have been praying for yourself but somebody’s been praying for you. I taught you better than that, Vashon.