Here’s
a simple readers’ theatre setting of Luke 11: 1-13, where Jesus teaches the
disciples about prayer. It is based on The Voice translation of scripture.
Readers’ Theatre: On Prayer
(Luke 11: 1-13)
One: Once Jesus was in a certain place praying.
When he finished,
one of his disciples approached him and
asked,
“Teacher, would you teach us your way of
prayer?
John taught his disciples his way of prayer,
and we’re hoping you’ll do the same.”
Jesus answered:
Two: Here’s how to pray:
“Father in heaven,
may your name be revered.
May your kingdom come.
May your will be accomplished on earth
as it is in heaven.
Give us the food we need for tomorrow,
and forgive us for our wrongs,
as we forgive those who wrong us.
And lead us away from temptation,
and save us from the evil one.”
One: When he had finished,
he added this illustration to teach them more
about prayer.
Two: Imagine that one of your friends comes over
at midnight.
He bangs on the door and shouts,
“Friend, will you lend me three
loaves of bread?
A friend of mine just showed up
unexpectedly from a journey,
and I don’t have anything to feed
him.”
Tell me, would you should out from
your bed,
“I’m already in bed, and so are the
kids.
I already locked the door.
I can’t be bothered”?
No, you know as well as I do:
even if you didn’t care that this
fellow was your friend,
if he keeps knocking long enough,
you’ll get up and give him whatever
he needs
simply because of his brash
persistence!
So listen:
Keep on asking, and you will
receive.
Keep on seeking, and you will find.
Keep on knocking, and the door will
be opened for you.
All who keep asking will receive,
all who keep seeking will find,
and doors will open to those who
keep knocking.
Some of you are fathers, so ask
yourselves this:
if your son comes up to you and asks
for a fish for dinner,
will you give him a snake instead?
If your boy wants an egg to eat,
will you give him a scorpion?
Look, all of you are flawed in so many
ways,
yet in spite of your faults,
you know how to give good gifts to
your children.
How much more will your Father in
heaven give the Holy Spirit
to all who ask!
