God, Inc. and What Prayer Feels Like

What it feels like...

Guy is sitting inside of his car on a hot and sunny day, exhausted from all the pressures upon him.

Guy: (closes eyes in prayer) Oh God!

Speaker box: Sir, please ring the doorbell.

Guy opens his eyes, he has somehow been transported in front of a large building that looks like the White House. On the door, in gold letters it reads: God Inc. There is a speaker mounted above the door.

Guy: What?

The angry New Yorker behind him, taps him on the shoulder.

Angry New Yorker : Hey buddy, we're all waitin' to get inside! Keep the line movin'!

Speaker box: Sir, the doorbell!

Guy rings the doorbell.

Speaker box: Welcome to God Inc.: where God is God and you are not. Please step inside.

Guy steps inside and the door slams behind him.

Speaker box: This transaction will cost you two hours of your time.

Guy: Woah?! I don't have that kinda time.

A receptionist angel greets Guy from behind a large white desk.

Receptionist Angel: Hello. Welcome to God Inc.

Guy: Yes, um, I'm not sure how I got here but I just need to talk to God.

Receptionist Angel: (smiles) Doesn't everybody. Please take a number.

Guy: Number?

Receptionist Angel: Yes (points to her right) over there sir. Grab a number, follow the arrows and have a seat.

Guy: But I just need to talk to God.

Receptionist Angel: And God wants to talk to you because God loves you. Now take a number! (Yells) Next!

Guy reluctantly grabs a number from the ticket machine.

Guy: Four-billion fifty-five?

Guy looks around and notices the arrows on the floor.He follows them down two flight of stairs, through three hallways and up a flight of stairs. He then comes to a door that reads: Incoming Prayers.

Guy:God?

He opens the door to a huge waiting room the size of a football stadium. The front of it is lined with near a hundred receptionist desks.

Guy: This is ridiculous!

Guy walks over and stands in line behind someone nearly finished with their transaction. It is his turn.

Receptionist Angel: (to last person)Thank you, come again. (Looks at Guy)Yes sir, may I help you?

Guy: This number can't be right. This ticket says my number is...

Receptionist Angel: Four-billion fifty-five, the number is based upon your contribution to Kingdom of God.

Guy: Come again?

Receptionist Angel: (pulls out long computer print-out) Well, we do believe in mercy every now and then. Let's see if we can expedite your request. What is the nature of your concern?

Guy: I don't understand.

Receptionist Angel: God is a busy God and it is our job to make sure God's time is not wasted. Concern please?

Guy: Well I...

Receptionist Angel: Are you fighting a giant?

Guy: No.

Receptionist Angel: Fighting an army single-handed?

Guy: No.

Receptionist Angel: Fighting an angry mob of religious officials for the cause of Christ?

Guy: No.

Receptionist Angel: Tsk,tsk. (Marks his paper) That's a demerit. (Looks at Guy) What is the problem then?

Guy: I've just been really discouraged and depressed lately. Y'know, I need a good-paying job and I would like to be married one day and...

Receptionist Angel: (smiles) One thing at a time partner! God is in a meeting with Moses and Elijah right now, but maybe if we look at some of these other categories we may be able to find a quicker time slot for God to meet with you. OK then (picks up list again) let's see here, we'll start off low. The amount of people you brought to salvation in Jesus Christ last week?

Guy: I brought a friend to church last year, but last week...I guess...zero.

Receptionist Angel: (Marks paper) Demerit, this is not looking good. The amount people you prayed for yesterday?

Guy: I prayed for two people...I remember...I prayed for Kate and....

Receptionist Angel: Ooh sorry, we usually don't consider expediting requests for people with anything less than twenty. But, hey, here's an idea: why don't you just smile and wait, and perhaps God will do something for you next year, OK?

Guy: But my family is...

Receptionist Angel: Patience my friend. It'll all work out. Next!

What it is...

Guy: Oh God! I need you!

God: I am here and I am working on your behalf.

Roman 8:28-30:

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

2 Peter 3:9

9The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish...

Keep the Faith.

In Him,

Jean-Marc