Obstacles in Prayer

Written by Denise Montpetit © Cat.Chat Productions Inc.

Characters:

• Sarah (main character)
• Hannah (Sarah’s sister)
• Joey (Sarah’s younger brother)
• Mom
• Dad

Props:

• Things for prayer spot: table and chair, crucifix, battery operated candle, Bible, rosary, Jesus prayer card and VBS saint card.
• Backpack
• Cordless phone
• Book
• Sign that reads “3 hours later”
• Sign or door hanger that reads: “Shhh!!! It’s my Prayer Time!”
• Joke book
• Apron

Sarah: Spends time doing her hair in front of a pretend mirror, then briefly sits in her prayer spot.

Hannah: Quickly walks in holding a joke book. Hey Sarah, do you want to hear a couple jokes from my joke book?

Sarah: Stands up. Sure, Hannah.

Hannah: Knock, Knock.

Sarah: Who’s there?

Hannah: Howie?

Sarah: Howie who?

Hannah: Good, thanks! Howie you?

Sarah: Laughs. That’s actually pretty funny!

Hannah: Here’s another one. What did the flag say to the pole? (pauses)

Sarah: What?

Hannah: Nothing. It just waved! They both snicker.

Sarah: Hey, Hannah. Do you mind if I borrow this joke book for awhile?

Hannah: Yeah, go right ahead. Hannah walks off and says: Oh, I almost forgot. Mom said to tell you that you’d better head off for dance class or you’ll be late.

Sarah: Now you tell me! Quickly grabs her backpack and exits. Someone shows a sign that says “3 hours later”.

Sarah: Walks in and puts her backpack down somewhere near her prayer spot. She sits down exhausted and picks up her Bible before the phone rings.

Joey: Calls out in a loud voice. Saaarrrrraaaah, there’s someone on the phone for youuuuu! It’s Jenny!

Sarah: Okay, thanks Joey, I’ll pick it up in my room. Pauses, shrugs her shoulders, puts her Bible down, gets up to grab phone in the corner of her room. Hello? (pauses) Hi, Jenny. What’s up? Walks around, twirls her hair around. Cool! (pauses) You’re kidding! Like... that’s amazing! Sits down at her prayer spot.

Mom: Walks in room wearing an apron around her waist.

Sarah: Well, thanks for calling. See you on Monday. Hangs up phone. Wow!

Mom: What’s so amazing, Sarah?

Sarah: Well, my friend Jenny is having a sleepover birthday party next week and she’s inviting like… 15 friends. Can I go mom, please… please? Mom: Well, I’ll think about it and we’ll see what dad says. (pauses) By the way, have you had your prayer time today?

Sarah: Says with a bit of hesitance: No, not really.

Mom: Well, don’t let the day slip away. You know, your prayer time is the most important time of the day. Mom walks away.

Sarah: Yes, mom! (pauses and picks up her rosary on her prayer table)

Joey: Younger brother walks in. Hey, Sarah! Can you come play legos with me?

Sarah: Not right now, Joey. I’m busy. Maybe later. Notices that Joey has her book in his hand. Hey! What are you doing with my library book?

Joey: I don’t know? I found it in my room.

Sarah: I’ve been looking all over for that book! I only had a few chapters left.

Joey: Hands it to Sarah and walks off.

Sarah: I wonder what happens next? Puts rosary down and starts reading her novel.

Dad: Quickly walks on the scene. Hey Sarah, don’t forget that Mass is at 9:00 tomorrow morning and you’re singing in the choir. Try not to go to bed too late tonight.

Sarah: Yes, dad. Dad walks off. Sarah puts her book down, right beside the crucifix. She glances at the crucifix in her prayer spot. Picks it up. Pauses a moment.

Hannah: Quickly walks in. Hey, Sarah? Do you want to come and watch a movie downstairs with us?

Sarah: Pauses, glances back at her crucifix once again, and says with confidence: You know what, Hannah? Go ahead and start without me. I’ve got something important I want to do first. Thanks anyway.

Hannah: No problem. Hannah exits.

Sarah: Puts up a sign that reads,“Shh! It’s my prayer time! Please do not disturb!” Sits down at her prayer spot. Makes the sign of the cross. Bows head.

The End Other characters clap to indicate the end!