Holy Spirit, Where Are You?
Drama
Graduation Is Not For Angels
Contemporary Christian Dramas
Object:
A three-part series for teens, identifying the power and work of the Holy Spirit in individual lives. Each scene is complete in itself and can stand alone if desired.
Scene I
Stranded
Setting: A stranded car, at night, in a dangerous area of town
Characters:
JOANIE: Teenage Christian girl, gutsy, intelligent, responsible
STRANGER: Tough looking man, frequently in trouble with the law
VOICE: Joanie's mother
Props: Stranded car (can be as simple as a chair if desired), cell phone
Costumes: Joanie is dressed in normal teenage garb, stranger is in distinct tough-looking garb, sunglasses (It is important that stranger's dress matches dialogue)
Scene: Joanie is sitting center stage, as though she were in the driver's seat of a car
* * *
JOANIE: (Looks about uneasily, takes a deep breath) I can't believe I missed that last turnoff, (Sighs) and then my car dies. (Attempts to start the motor) It's no use. (Glances around again uneasily, then picks up cell phone and dials)
MOTHER: Hello ...
JOANIE: Mom, it's me, Joanie ...
MOTHER: (Interrupts, worried) Joanie, where are you? It's after midnight! I didn't think your job at the hospital would last this long.
JOANIE: (Calmly) Mom, really, I'm okay. But I'm stranded on Riverside Road by that abandoned gas station. The car just died. I told Dad this thing wasn't working right.
MOTHER: (Calls) Carl, Joanie's stranded on Riverside Road by the old Phillips 66 station. The car died.
JOANIE: (Interrupts, continues to glance around uneasily) Mom, can Dad come get me soon? It's really pretty spooky out here. (Looks around cautiously) I don't see anyone, but all the boarded up buildings and eerie warehouses are enough to give anyone the creeps.
MOTHER: Joanie, don't let anyone in the car, you understand? Dad will be there in about twenty minutes. Meanwhile, I'll pray. God knows where you are. You'll be fine.
JOANIE: (Quietly) Okay, Mom, but please tell Dad to hurry. (Hangs up phone, looks around, then slumps in the seat and begins softly, half heartedly singing a familiar Christian song. There is a loud crash, and she jumps in fright then looks at watch) Four minutes. I can't believe I've only been sitting here four minutes.
(STRANGER appears off stage. He is obviously tough, someone looking for trouble. Slowly he swaggers toward the car)
JOANIE: (Spots the stranger coming toward her. She is frantic. Slumps further in her seat) Okay, Joanie, stay calm. Dad will be here any minute ... Mom's praying ... (Begins reciting) "The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous man runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10." Ah ... "No evil will befall you, neither shall any plague come near your tent, for he will give his angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:10-12." (Slumps further into seat) Oh no, he sees me ...
(STRANGER spots the car, for a long while stands and stares, then swaggers over, observes, then finally taps on the window)
JOANIE: (Pretends not to see him, does not move)
STRANGER: (Knocks on window again, shouts) Hey! Open the window!
JOANIE: (Shaking, continues to ignore him, whispers) Lord, you said you'd give your angels charge over me.
STRANGER: (Knocks on window again) Girl, can you hear me?
(JOANIE nods silently, looks straight ahead, does not move. She is obviously very frightened)
STRANGER: Don't let anyone in this car, understand? This area is very dangerous. You could get hurt.
(JOANIE nods silently)
(STRANGER stares for another moment, then swaggers slowly off as if he owns the city. Looks back at the car several more times, as if he wants to change his mind, then finally disappears)
JOANIE: (Her phone rings. Weakly) Mom?
MOTHER: (Excitedly) Joanie, listen to me. I don't want to scare you. Your father should be there any moment, but you need to know there is a rapist loose in that area. They just put an all points bulletin out to warn people. He escaped from maximum security this evening and authorities are warning that he is very dangerous. Now listen, he is about six feet tall and, last seen, he was wearing torn blue jeans, black tennis shoes, a white Nike t-shirt with a red handkerchief tied around his left arm. His hair is dark, and he's wearing sunglasses and a green band around his head. He's armed. Now I don't want to scare you, but you must be very careful.
JOANIE: (Weakly) Mom?
MOTHER: Yes?
JOANIE: Mom, you believe in miracles?
MOTHER: (Hesitantly) Yes. Why?
JOANIE: (Stammering) Mom, I think I've just had a miracle. (Sits up) Here's Dad. I'll tell you about it when I get home. (Whispers) Thanks, Holy Spirit. You're the greatest!
(Scene fades out)
Scene II
Amazing, Isn't It!
Setting: In the hall, outside a high school classroom
Characters:
JOSH: A typical teenager, normally confident, athletic, has an uncontrollable fear of making speeches
RYAN: Josh's friend, all-around good guy, sensitive, everybody's friend
Costumes: Typical teenage dress
Props: Butterfinger candy bar wrapper, speech notes, stacks of books, a secure door frame
Scene: Outside the speech classroom; door frame is situated center stage
* * *
JOSH: (Comes dashing onto stage. A large load of books in disarray in his arms, he is obviously quite distraught) Okay, I can do this. (Recites) "Hi, I'm Josh Evens and I'd like to ..." (Books tumble to the floor and Josh collapses against the door frame, moans) I'm dead ... totally dead.
RYAN: (Enters from same direction, carrying books. He stops and observes the scene) Hey, man, what's up? You look like you've just seen the whole Green Bay Packer line in two-a-days.
JOSH: (Doesn't look up. Just mumbles) I can only hope. Tell me I'm not here. Tell me it's all a bad dream. Tell me never to eat two-and-a-half Stop2Shop pizzas -- large ones -- before I go to bed ever again in my life. (Groans)
RYAN: (Begins to pick up the scattered books) Okay, bud, let me help you out here. We've got to shape you up before ten-minute break is up. Want me to go see if the school secretary's got something for your misery? Maybe a 7-Up would work.
JOSH: (Moaning) I'm dead, totally dead! I won't graduate. I'll be in high school forever ... my parents won't be able to show their faces up town.
RYAN: (Puzzled) Just because you ate two-and-a-half Stop2Shop pizzas?
JOSH: (Slowly rises to his feet, still obviously miserable) No, guy. I have to give a speech today in speech class.
RYAN: (Obviously shocked) And this is what this is all about? (Laughs) Boy, you are something else.
JOSH: Hey, man, don't laugh. I'm taking speech for the third time, you know that? Every time I get up to speak, my lights go out. I'm gone, flat on the floor, deader than roadkill.
RYAN: (Laughs again) That's what I hear. You're good, really good!
JOSH: Ryan, I don't faint on purpose, okay? It just happens! I get up, I open my mouth and "out like a light." I wake up to an F for the nine weeks. This is my last chance!
RYAN: (Seriously) Okay, man, let's get it put together here. You're not afraid of going into the line and making mincemeat out of an opposing team's tackles, are you?
JOSH: No ...
RYAN: And you've run the hurdles for the last three years in a row. Have all those people in the stands bothered you?
JOSH: (Shakes his head) No ...
RYAN: You have your speech?
JOSH: (Digs through papers and books) Right here. It's on making use of something people normally throw away. I'm going to show all the different uses of a Butterfinger candy bar wrapper.
RYAN: (Face shows amazement) You're joshing.
JOSH: No really, my speech's actually pretty creative, if I might say so myself. (Sighs) And I'll go in there and fall on my face as usual.
RYAN: (Determined) No, you won't, because you and I are going to be praying.
JOSH: Ryan, get real! What's prayer have to do with anything?
RYAN: You've got the Holy Spirit living inside of you, right?
JOSH: (Puzzled) Right ...
RYAN: He's the power in your life. He's the master at making speeches. Why do you think God sent him? To sell hot dogs at the county fair? (Bell rings) Okay, there's the bell. Let's go.
JOSH: (Uncertainly) You're sure about this?
RYAN: (Nods head and shoves JOSH through the door. Sits on floor on other side of door as if he is in speech class. Whispers) Thanks, Holy Spirit, for giving Josh the courage he needs to get through this.
JOSH: (Puts down books, hesitates, then takes his speech notes and walks to the front of the room. Clears throat, looks around, rearranges notes uneasily, clears throat again, then begins) Ah ... I mean ... ah ... tonight ... ah, I mean this afternoon ... I would like to talk to you about the many uses of a Butterfinger candy bar wrapper. Most of us only look upon a wrapper as something to keep the candy inside clean and fresh tasting. We never stop to think that once the candy is gone, the wrapper still has many uses. For instance, (Holds up a wrapper, now appears more confident, gives Ryan nod) it's raining outside, the streets are full of water, you're waiting for a friend. To pass the time, you take this wrapper and by folding ... (Begins to fold wrapper to make a paper boat)
RYAN: (Smiling, turns to audience, gives them a "thumbs up" sign) Amazing, isn't it? We have not because we ask not. Simple as that.
(Scene fades out)
Scene III
The Phone Call
Setting: Bedroom of a typical teenager
Characters:
TENA: Teenage girl, obviously depressed
ANN: Teenage girl, Tena's friend, outgoing and concerned for others, on fire for the Lord
Props: Telephone that rings, radio that works, clothes, books, miscellaneous things to scatter about the floor to make it look like a teenager's messy room
Costumes: Teenage casual wear
Scene: Objects scattered about centerstage as if it were a teenager's messy room
* * *
TENA: (Sitting on the floor, obviously struggling, attempts to read a book, frustrated, gives up, folds a few clothes and stacks them, gives up, finally holds head in hand, picks up phone, dials several numbers, then puts down receiver. Phone rings. Hesitates, finally picks up receiver, answers quietly) H ... ello ...
ANN: (Off-stage, brightly) Tena, is that you?
TENA: (Weakly) Y ... yes ...
ANN: Hey, are you okay?
TENA: (Tearfully) No.
ANN: I didn't think so. I was taking a shower -- just came in from running two miles -- and I just had a feeling I needed to call you. What's up?
TENA: (Tearfully) It's Mom again. I came in ten minutes late for curfew last night and she grounded me for a week. My watch stopped working and I tried to explain, but she wouldn't listen. If I can't go out this weekend, I'll miss out on everything!
ANN: Don't move, I'm on my way.
TENA: (Protests) No, it's okay. (Hangs up phone when she realizes ANN has hung up. Fidgets uneasily, turns on radio for some music)
ANN: (Enters from left, brightly) Hi. Your mom let me in.
TENA: (Mumbles, not too glad to see her friend, turns off radio) That was fast.
ANN: How long does it take to hop over the back fence? By the way, that dog of yours isn't getting his lessons too well at obedience school. I thought you said he didn't jump on people anymore. Don't think so. Nearly knocked me over when I opened the back gate. (Sits down by her friend) Okay, what's up.
TENA: (Fidgets, looks at floor) I just had this great weekend planned, that's all. And now it's ruined.
ANN: (Puzzled) No one's doing anything great, that I know of.
TENA: But they might. (Grabs a tissue and dabs her eyes. Blurts out) Oh, my life is such a mess!
ANN: (Still puzzled) Excuse me, but did I miss something here? I don't know about any messes. I am your best friend, remember?
TENA: (Rambles on) I'm not popular. I drive a lousy car. I can't go to Germany next year because Dad says we can't afford it. My hair is limp and ugly. My eyes are too small. My clothes come from Target ...
ANN: (Sighs) Oh boy, is the devil doing a job on you.
TENA: (Snaps) Come on, Ann, it's the truth!
ANN: No, it's not! Give me your hand. I'm going to pray for you.
TENA: (Wanting to remain in her pity party. Glares) I don't want to be prayed for!
ANN: (Backs off) Okay. Suit yourself.
TENA: (Explains) God can't change any of this stuff. Besides, I feel like a baby having you pray for me.
ANN: You pray for me when I get down.
TENA: That's different.
ANN: Why?
TENA: I don't know. It just is. (Pauses, then sighs) Okay, if you insist.
ANN: (Grins and moves close to her friend, grasps her hand) Dear God, thank you for sending your power in the form of the Holy Spirit. Boy, do we ever need him. Holy Spirit, show me how to pray for Tena. She's really down. You know she's a very good friend, and she's really important to me. She's sort of forgotten how much you really love her. Just take the depression from her and replace it with your joy. Let her know that her old car is just fine. And please take away that lousy headache she has. She doesn't need that. Help her mom see that she really would have been home on time if her watch hadn't stopped. (Pauses) And help Tena's stupid dog to learn his lessons at obedience school, or I'm going to have to get a new pair of jeans. Amen.
TENA: (Giggles. She is obviously relieved) Ann, you are crazy. How did you know I had a headache? It's been awful all day.
ANN: I didn't. I guess God did. Amazing, huh? Mom and I were going to go shopping at the mall, but for some reason nothing worked out. Guess he knew you needed my awesome presence.
TENA: (Quietly) Thanks, Ann. I feel a lot better. What did we do before we realized how powerful prayer can be?
ANN: We were miserable, struggling, depressed.
TENA: (Gives her friend a hug) Thanks for caring.
ANN: Don't thank me. Thank the Holy Spirit.
TENA: Thanks for listening to his call.
ANN: (Smiles warmly) My pleasure, my pleasure. Come on, let's go see if my prayer has had an effect on your stupid dog. He's got more energy ...
(Both characters rise to feet and, in friendly conversation, leave stage)
Scene I
Stranded
Setting: A stranded car, at night, in a dangerous area of town
Characters:
JOANIE: Teenage Christian girl, gutsy, intelligent, responsible
STRANGER: Tough looking man, frequently in trouble with the law
VOICE: Joanie's mother
Props: Stranded car (can be as simple as a chair if desired), cell phone
Costumes: Joanie is dressed in normal teenage garb, stranger is in distinct tough-looking garb, sunglasses (It is important that stranger's dress matches dialogue)
Scene: Joanie is sitting center stage, as though she were in the driver's seat of a car
* * *
JOANIE: (Looks about uneasily, takes a deep breath) I can't believe I missed that last turnoff, (Sighs) and then my car dies. (Attempts to start the motor) It's no use. (Glances around again uneasily, then picks up cell phone and dials)
MOTHER: Hello ...
JOANIE: Mom, it's me, Joanie ...
MOTHER: (Interrupts, worried) Joanie, where are you? It's after midnight! I didn't think your job at the hospital would last this long.
JOANIE: (Calmly) Mom, really, I'm okay. But I'm stranded on Riverside Road by that abandoned gas station. The car just died. I told Dad this thing wasn't working right.
MOTHER: (Calls) Carl, Joanie's stranded on Riverside Road by the old Phillips 66 station. The car died.
JOANIE: (Interrupts, continues to glance around uneasily) Mom, can Dad come get me soon? It's really pretty spooky out here. (Looks around cautiously) I don't see anyone, but all the boarded up buildings and eerie warehouses are enough to give anyone the creeps.
MOTHER: Joanie, don't let anyone in the car, you understand? Dad will be there in about twenty minutes. Meanwhile, I'll pray. God knows where you are. You'll be fine.
JOANIE: (Quietly) Okay, Mom, but please tell Dad to hurry. (Hangs up phone, looks around, then slumps in the seat and begins softly, half heartedly singing a familiar Christian song. There is a loud crash, and she jumps in fright then looks at watch) Four minutes. I can't believe I've only been sitting here four minutes.
(STRANGER appears off stage. He is obviously tough, someone looking for trouble. Slowly he swaggers toward the car)
JOANIE: (Spots the stranger coming toward her. She is frantic. Slumps further in her seat) Okay, Joanie, stay calm. Dad will be here any minute ... Mom's praying ... (Begins reciting) "The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous man runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10." Ah ... "No evil will befall you, neither shall any plague come near your tent, for he will give his angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:10-12." (Slumps further into seat) Oh no, he sees me ...
(STRANGER spots the car, for a long while stands and stares, then swaggers over, observes, then finally taps on the window)
JOANIE: (Pretends not to see him, does not move)
STRANGER: (Knocks on window again, shouts) Hey! Open the window!
JOANIE: (Shaking, continues to ignore him, whispers) Lord, you said you'd give your angels charge over me.
STRANGER: (Knocks on window again) Girl, can you hear me?
(JOANIE nods silently, looks straight ahead, does not move. She is obviously very frightened)
STRANGER: Don't let anyone in this car, understand? This area is very dangerous. You could get hurt.
(JOANIE nods silently)
(STRANGER stares for another moment, then swaggers slowly off as if he owns the city. Looks back at the car several more times, as if he wants to change his mind, then finally disappears)
JOANIE: (Her phone rings. Weakly) Mom?
MOTHER: (Excitedly) Joanie, listen to me. I don't want to scare you. Your father should be there any moment, but you need to know there is a rapist loose in that area. They just put an all points bulletin out to warn people. He escaped from maximum security this evening and authorities are warning that he is very dangerous. Now listen, he is about six feet tall and, last seen, he was wearing torn blue jeans, black tennis shoes, a white Nike t-shirt with a red handkerchief tied around his left arm. His hair is dark, and he's wearing sunglasses and a green band around his head. He's armed. Now I don't want to scare you, but you must be very careful.
JOANIE: (Weakly) Mom?
MOTHER: Yes?
JOANIE: Mom, you believe in miracles?
MOTHER: (Hesitantly) Yes. Why?
JOANIE: (Stammering) Mom, I think I've just had a miracle. (Sits up) Here's Dad. I'll tell you about it when I get home. (Whispers) Thanks, Holy Spirit. You're the greatest!
(Scene fades out)
Scene II
Amazing, Isn't It!
Setting: In the hall, outside a high school classroom
Characters:
JOSH: A typical teenager, normally confident, athletic, has an uncontrollable fear of making speeches
RYAN: Josh's friend, all-around good guy, sensitive, everybody's friend
Costumes: Typical teenage dress
Props: Butterfinger candy bar wrapper, speech notes, stacks of books, a secure door frame
Scene: Outside the speech classroom; door frame is situated center stage
* * *
JOSH: (Comes dashing onto stage. A large load of books in disarray in his arms, he is obviously quite distraught) Okay, I can do this. (Recites) "Hi, I'm Josh Evens and I'd like to ..." (Books tumble to the floor and Josh collapses against the door frame, moans) I'm dead ... totally dead.
RYAN: (Enters from same direction, carrying books. He stops and observes the scene) Hey, man, what's up? You look like you've just seen the whole Green Bay Packer line in two-a-days.
JOSH: (Doesn't look up. Just mumbles) I can only hope. Tell me I'm not here. Tell me it's all a bad dream. Tell me never to eat two-and-a-half Stop2Shop pizzas -- large ones -- before I go to bed ever again in my life. (Groans)
RYAN: (Begins to pick up the scattered books) Okay, bud, let me help you out here. We've got to shape you up before ten-minute break is up. Want me to go see if the school secretary's got something for your misery? Maybe a 7-Up would work.
JOSH: (Moaning) I'm dead, totally dead! I won't graduate. I'll be in high school forever ... my parents won't be able to show their faces up town.
RYAN: (Puzzled) Just because you ate two-and-a-half Stop2Shop pizzas?
JOSH: (Slowly rises to his feet, still obviously miserable) No, guy. I have to give a speech today in speech class.
RYAN: (Obviously shocked) And this is what this is all about? (Laughs) Boy, you are something else.
JOSH: Hey, man, don't laugh. I'm taking speech for the third time, you know that? Every time I get up to speak, my lights go out. I'm gone, flat on the floor, deader than roadkill.
RYAN: (Laughs again) That's what I hear. You're good, really good!
JOSH: Ryan, I don't faint on purpose, okay? It just happens! I get up, I open my mouth and "out like a light." I wake up to an F for the nine weeks. This is my last chance!
RYAN: (Seriously) Okay, man, let's get it put together here. You're not afraid of going into the line and making mincemeat out of an opposing team's tackles, are you?
JOSH: No ...
RYAN: And you've run the hurdles for the last three years in a row. Have all those people in the stands bothered you?
JOSH: (Shakes his head) No ...
RYAN: You have your speech?
JOSH: (Digs through papers and books) Right here. It's on making use of something people normally throw away. I'm going to show all the different uses of a Butterfinger candy bar wrapper.
RYAN: (Face shows amazement) You're joshing.
JOSH: No really, my speech's actually pretty creative, if I might say so myself. (Sighs) And I'll go in there and fall on my face as usual.
RYAN: (Determined) No, you won't, because you and I are going to be praying.
JOSH: Ryan, get real! What's prayer have to do with anything?
RYAN: You've got the Holy Spirit living inside of you, right?
JOSH: (Puzzled) Right ...
RYAN: He's the power in your life. He's the master at making speeches. Why do you think God sent him? To sell hot dogs at the county fair? (Bell rings) Okay, there's the bell. Let's go.
JOSH: (Uncertainly) You're sure about this?
RYAN: (Nods head and shoves JOSH through the door. Sits on floor on other side of door as if he is in speech class. Whispers) Thanks, Holy Spirit, for giving Josh the courage he needs to get through this.
JOSH: (Puts down books, hesitates, then takes his speech notes and walks to the front of the room. Clears throat, looks around, rearranges notes uneasily, clears throat again, then begins) Ah ... I mean ... ah ... tonight ... ah, I mean this afternoon ... I would like to talk to you about the many uses of a Butterfinger candy bar wrapper. Most of us only look upon a wrapper as something to keep the candy inside clean and fresh tasting. We never stop to think that once the candy is gone, the wrapper still has many uses. For instance, (Holds up a wrapper, now appears more confident, gives Ryan nod) it's raining outside, the streets are full of water, you're waiting for a friend. To pass the time, you take this wrapper and by folding ... (Begins to fold wrapper to make a paper boat)
RYAN: (Smiling, turns to audience, gives them a "thumbs up" sign) Amazing, isn't it? We have not because we ask not. Simple as that.
(Scene fades out)
Scene III
The Phone Call
Setting: Bedroom of a typical teenager
Characters:
TENA: Teenage girl, obviously depressed
ANN: Teenage girl, Tena's friend, outgoing and concerned for others, on fire for the Lord
Props: Telephone that rings, radio that works, clothes, books, miscellaneous things to scatter about the floor to make it look like a teenager's messy room
Costumes: Teenage casual wear
Scene: Objects scattered about centerstage as if it were a teenager's messy room
* * *
TENA: (Sitting on the floor, obviously struggling, attempts to read a book, frustrated, gives up, folds a few clothes and stacks them, gives up, finally holds head in hand, picks up phone, dials several numbers, then puts down receiver. Phone rings. Hesitates, finally picks up receiver, answers quietly) H ... ello ...
ANN: (Off-stage, brightly) Tena, is that you?
TENA: (Weakly) Y ... yes ...
ANN: Hey, are you okay?
TENA: (Tearfully) No.
ANN: I didn't think so. I was taking a shower -- just came in from running two miles -- and I just had a feeling I needed to call you. What's up?
TENA: (Tearfully) It's Mom again. I came in ten minutes late for curfew last night and she grounded me for a week. My watch stopped working and I tried to explain, but she wouldn't listen. If I can't go out this weekend, I'll miss out on everything!
ANN: Don't move, I'm on my way.
TENA: (Protests) No, it's okay. (Hangs up phone when she realizes ANN has hung up. Fidgets uneasily, turns on radio for some music)
ANN: (Enters from left, brightly) Hi. Your mom let me in.
TENA: (Mumbles, not too glad to see her friend, turns off radio) That was fast.
ANN: How long does it take to hop over the back fence? By the way, that dog of yours isn't getting his lessons too well at obedience school. I thought you said he didn't jump on people anymore. Don't think so. Nearly knocked me over when I opened the back gate. (Sits down by her friend) Okay, what's up.
TENA: (Fidgets, looks at floor) I just had this great weekend planned, that's all. And now it's ruined.
ANN: (Puzzled) No one's doing anything great, that I know of.
TENA: But they might. (Grabs a tissue and dabs her eyes. Blurts out) Oh, my life is such a mess!
ANN: (Still puzzled) Excuse me, but did I miss something here? I don't know about any messes. I am your best friend, remember?
TENA: (Rambles on) I'm not popular. I drive a lousy car. I can't go to Germany next year because Dad says we can't afford it. My hair is limp and ugly. My eyes are too small. My clothes come from Target ...
ANN: (Sighs) Oh boy, is the devil doing a job on you.
TENA: (Snaps) Come on, Ann, it's the truth!
ANN: No, it's not! Give me your hand. I'm going to pray for you.
TENA: (Wanting to remain in her pity party. Glares) I don't want to be prayed for!
ANN: (Backs off) Okay. Suit yourself.
TENA: (Explains) God can't change any of this stuff. Besides, I feel like a baby having you pray for me.
ANN: You pray for me when I get down.
TENA: That's different.
ANN: Why?
TENA: I don't know. It just is. (Pauses, then sighs) Okay, if you insist.
ANN: (Grins and moves close to her friend, grasps her hand) Dear God, thank you for sending your power in the form of the Holy Spirit. Boy, do we ever need him. Holy Spirit, show me how to pray for Tena. She's really down. You know she's a very good friend, and she's really important to me. She's sort of forgotten how much you really love her. Just take the depression from her and replace it with your joy. Let her know that her old car is just fine. And please take away that lousy headache she has. She doesn't need that. Help her mom see that she really would have been home on time if her watch hadn't stopped. (Pauses) And help Tena's stupid dog to learn his lessons at obedience school, or I'm going to have to get a new pair of jeans. Amen.
TENA: (Giggles. She is obviously relieved) Ann, you are crazy. How did you know I had a headache? It's been awful all day.
ANN: I didn't. I guess God did. Amazing, huh? Mom and I were going to go shopping at the mall, but for some reason nothing worked out. Guess he knew you needed my awesome presence.
TENA: (Quietly) Thanks, Ann. I feel a lot better. What did we do before we realized how powerful prayer can be?
ANN: We were miserable, struggling, depressed.
TENA: (Gives her friend a hug) Thanks for caring.
ANN: Don't thank me. Thank the Holy Spirit.
TENA: Thanks for listening to his call.
ANN: (Smiles warmly) My pleasure, my pleasure. Come on, let's go see if my prayer has had an effect on your stupid dog. He's got more energy ...
(Both characters rise to feet and, in friendly conversation, leave stage)
