MUM:

OK, into bed.

CHILD:

(Getting into bed) Do I have to?

MUM:

(Handing child bed toy) Yes. (Tucking child in) Now, goodnight, sleep tight. (Starts to exit)

CHILD:

(Wheedling) Muuuum.

MUM:

(Turning round) Yes?

CHILD:

Can we pray?

MUM:

(Looking at watch) But I've got important . . .

CHILD:

Isn't prayer important?

MUM:

Yes, but . . .

CHILD:

Pleeeease!

MUM:

(Giving in) Oh, OK, OK, fine. (Comes back and sits on the bed)

CHILD:

Mum, does prayer work?

MUM:

Of course it does.

CHILD:

Are you sure?

MUM:

Yes, now let' get on with it. (Closes eyes and folds hands, child does the same) Dear God, please bless Daddy and Ben, and Aunty Elma, and Grandpa ad Grandma. Amen. (Gets up) Right, now we've prayed, so be quiet and go to sleep.

CHILD:

You forgot the next-door neighbours.

MUM:

(Through gritted teeth) All right, (Looks up and says) PS, and please bless the neighbours.

CHILD:

Because I heard them fighting again today.

MUM:

(Suddenly interested) Oh, were they? (Curiously) What were they saying?

CHILD:

Mum!

MUM:

OK. (Prays properly) Dear God, please help the neighbours to work it out, and stop fighting. Amen. Now, good night! (Starts to leave again)

CHILD:

What about my teacher?

MUM:

(Rolling eyes, to audience) Yes, she certainly needs all the help she can get!

CHILD:

We made her cry today, and (Guilty) I'm feeling real bad about it. We thought it was funny, but now I don't think it was. Could we pray for her?

MUM:

(Softening) Yes, I think we should.

CHILD:

And me too. Tell God I'm sorry.

MUM:

(Sincerely) Dear God, please look after Mrs Smith, and help her to feel better. Please forgive Chris . . .

CHILD:

(Interrupting) Who's feeling real sorry.

MUM:

. . . and the other kids for hurting her. Help them to think before they do something mean or stupid. Amen. (Firmly) Now, this is definitely good night! (Starts to leave again)

CHILD:

Muuum!

MUM:

(Exasperated) What?

CHILD:

If God answers our prayers, shouldn't we pray for other people as well?

MUM:

(Sighing heavily) Like who?

CHILD:

That man on the TV that you called that bad name I'm not allowed to say.

MUM:

Oh, you mean the prime minister?

CHILD:

Yes, if he's in charge of Australia, shouldn't we ask God to help him?

MUM:

(Under breath) And me too! (To child) But yes, you're right. (Prays) God, please help the prime minister and all the other politicians to run this country.

CHILD:

(Chipping in) And Mum's sorry she said a bad word.

MUM:

Yes, I'm sorry, God. Amen.

CHILD:

(Yawning) What about all the people overseas?

MUM:

OK. You know, I'm really starting to get into this. (Really gets into praying this time, child looks sleepier and sleepier as she continues) Lord, there are so many people in the world that are suffering and dying from starvation. Please help us to appreciate what we have and to find ways to help these people and share some of the excess that we have. Then there are the people that are suffering from natural disasters like floods and earthquakes and cyclones and avalanches. Help them to know and believe that you love them and are with them. Help them to turn to you. We also pray for countries that are going through war or fighting. At this time, we think particularly of . . .

CHILD:

(Sleepily) Mum!

MUM:

(Carrying on) We think particularly . . .

CHILD:

Mum!

MUM:

(Annoyed) What?

CHILD:

(Tiredly) Could I please go to sleep now?

MUM:

(Embarrassed) Oh, right, ah . . . good night. (Gets up to leave awkwardly) I'll ah . . . just continue praying outside then. (Child is asleep. Mum leans over and whispers) Thank you. (Exits)