"Prayer On The Street" Date: November 5, 1995 Series: "How To Really Get To Know God" Message: "How To Get To Know God Through Prayer" Scripture: Matthew 6:1-11 Time: About 4-5 minutes Concept: A roving "on the street" reporter is getting people's responses about their view of prayer. As he gets different answers from different people, we see how many misconceptions there are about prayer. Reporter: (primps himself getting ready for the camera to go on) OK, are we almost ready? Good.....this is Randall Crandall of "30 Seconds", where we find out what America thinks in 30 seconds or less. I'm your on-the-street-and on-the-spot reporter, ready to bring you the pulse of America because we want to know how you think. Today our survey on the street is touching the supernatural as we ask people what they think about prayer. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, they can ban it from our schools, but there seems to be a renewed interest in the power of prayer in our country. What does it all mean? Well, let's ask our first average American. Hello...I'm Randall Crandall of "30 Seconds", and we'd like to ask you a quick question..... Person #1: Sure, dude...like ask me anything, because I'm in tune with my personal wavelengths today. Reporter: Well, I'm glad to hear that, sir. Our "30 Seconds" question for today is..."What do you think of prayer?" #1: Like wow, man....what a radical question. Prayer is, like...being in tune with the whole universe, you know. Its kind of a cosmic thing. R: So...do you pray, sir? #1: Well, only when I'm in tune with my inner personal wavelengths... otherwise my reception gets scrambled, you know? See ya, dude. R: Ah, yes, I believe I do...I can certainly see that something is scrambled there. Here comes our next average American...excuse me, I'm Randall Crandall of "30 Seconds", and I'd like to ask you a question... #2: Randall Crandall?! "30 Seconds"?! I never miss your show! I can't believe I'm actually here...talking with you! Here, Mr. Crandall...can I call you Randall? Could we switch places so the camera can get my good side? (they switch places awkwardly) Now, what is today's question? R: (a bit ruffled) Well, now that we're ready...today's question is..."What do you think of prayer?" #2: Great question! Getting into the spiritual side of things today, huh? Nice touch, Randall. (then, becoming serious) Prayer is....prayer is like a spare tire. R: What? Prayer is like a spare tire? What do you mean by that? #2: Well, to me, prayer is like a spare tire because I only use it when I've really blown it, you know what I mean? R: Yes, I can tell something has been blown with you. Thank you for your opinion. Moving right along, I see another possibility here, excuse me, sir! I'm Randall Crandall of "30 Seconds", and I'd like to ask your opinion on today's topic...."What do you think of prayer?" #3: (gruff and unfriendly) Prayer? I don't pray. That's only for fools. R: Why, that's an unusual response, sir. How come you say that? #3: Because I'm an atheist, see? I don't need nobody but me. Now, leave me alone. R: Whew! There goes a person with no invisible means of support. We are sure finding a wide variety of opinions today. Here's our next person...hi, I'm Randall Crandall of "30 Seconds". We'd like your opinion on today's question..."What do you think of prayer?" #4: Wow, that's funny, because I was just praying a minute ago! R: You were?! What we you praying about? #4: Well, I was trying to convince God how much I needed to win the lottery so I could buy the new car and house I've been wanting. Prayer is like a shopping list...you figure out what you want, then tell God so He can get it for you. R: Thank you for your input. We have time for just a couple more opinions today, so let's make the most of them. (goes up to next person) Hi! I'm Randall Crandall of "30 Seconds". We'd like your thoughts on today's question..."What does prayer mean to you?" #5: What does prayer mean to me? That's kind of a personal question, don't you think? R: Well....yes, I guess it is. We sure would appreciate your opinion, though. #5: Oh...all right. Prayer is going by the book. R: By the book? I'm not sure I understand. #5: Yes, by the book. My church gave me a book with all the prayers I need written down for me. All I've got to do is recite the right prayers in the book, and I'll have done my duty. Its all in the book. R: Thank you for your opinion. Somehow, I feel we still haven't gotten to the heart of what prayer truly is...here's our last chance for the "30 Seconds" program. Hi, I'm Randall Crandall of "30 Seconds" and America wants to know your thought about today's question..."What do you think of prayer?" #6: Hey, thanks for asking, Randall. I'd love to tell you what prayer means to me. Prayer is one of the most important parts of my life. R: (a little shocked) Really? Why? #6: Because when I pray, I share my heart with my Heavenly Father, and He shares His heart with me. It's how my relationship with Him is growing every day. God loves me and I love Him, so I want to spend time with Him. R: Really?! You sound so....comfortable and confident about prayer. You really do it because of....love? #6: Yes, Randall, I do. So do many other people who've discovered a personal relationship with the Lord. Do you pray? R: Well, um....I'm used to asking questions, not answering them. But, you've made me want to ask more questions about this relationship with God...would you mind visiting a few minutes off camera? #6: Be glad to, Randall. R: Thank you. (turning toward camera) This is Randall Crandall, your "30 Seconds" reporter. I may have more interesting insights to share with you after I'm done finding out more about prayer from this person. Until then, I'll see you next time, on the street, finding out what America thinks. (turning to #6) You know, I've been wanting to ask somebody some questions, and you sound like you can help me....(they walk off together) -end- 4