Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Personal Peace (06/01/06)
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TITLE: The Alphabet Prayer | Previous Challenge Entry
By Suzanne R
06/06/06 -
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Little Davey had woken with a fever so she had to take him to her mother’s, which meant an extra hour’s travel. She didn’t feel so well herself. The list of errands, supposed to have been completed ‘on the way’ home from work yesterday, was still in her handbag.
Breaking the rules, texting as she drove, Angie sent a message to her colleague, Jane. “Tell boss I’m late – sick kid – will arrive ASAP.”
Sweat streamed down Angie’s face as she tottered across the road in her high heels. Some promotion the PA position was. All she’d gained was blisters on her feet, a pounding headache and the dread that she was doomed for failure.
Having been to the bank, post office and souvenir shop to equip her boss with small gifts for next week’s trip to Japan, Angie now hurried towards the travel agent. If only she could stop and sip a good strong espresso, perhaps she could make it through the day.
The cell phone vibrated against the waistband of Angie’s smartly-cut skirt. “Where R U? Not here by 10, no job. PRAY.” It was 9:33am.
Pray? Jane wasn’t even a Christian, although she respected Angie’s faith.
Angie’s heart beat even faster. God knew she needed that wage.
Dashing into the airlines office to collect her boss’ air-tickets, Angie spotted a colourful poster. “Escape – as easy as ABC.” Following was a list of holiday destinations – Australia – Bahamas – Canada … and on to Zimbabwe.
Deep in the recesses of her frazzled mind, something stirred. ABC – the alphabet psalm. Psalm 119 was based on the Hebrew alphabet. Upon learning that, Angie had determined to practise alphabetical prayer sometimes. It just hadn’t happened yet.
The airline worker rummaged through drawers looking for the tickets.
Angie focused her mind and began to pray.
ALMIGHTY God, ALL mighty. HELP! You are BEAUTIFUL. You CARE about the fix I’m in. You’re DIVINE - way beyond this chaos, most EXCELLENT Lord.
The travel agent disappeared out the back. Angie struggled to keep the tears from her eyes as the clock ticked. Her job was on the line.
FAITHFUL Lord, you won’t desert me. Why should I stress? You’re GOOD! But you’re also HOLY – and I’m not without fault – should have done these errands yesterday - please forgive me. INVINCIBLE Lord, nothing can stand in your way, even my boss. JESUS – Jesus – Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me, a sinner.
The airline worker reappeared. “Sorry to keep you waiting. Here are the tickets.”
Angie smiled her thanks and ran with as much dignity as she could muster in her heels and skirt. 9:49am. With any luck, she could make it to the office in 10 min.
Luck? Sorry Lord. L … LOVING. Oh – I missed K – KIND – of course.
Sitting in a line of cars waiting to exit the car park, Angie offered a quick prayer.
MERCIFUL Father, please……
Finally, Angie turned into the traffic and headed towards the tall silver building where her boss waited impatiently.
Your NAME is amazing. If only I had time to think of your many names … God with us, our Provider, Our Banner, Saviour....
Stopping at the red light, Angie continued, unfazed.
OMNI-EVERYTHING – you are everywhere, you know everything and you are all powerful.
Angie calmly turned into the parking lot of her company’s building. Again, the phone vibrated. “I C U - RUN” 9:59am.
PATIENT Lord, you are the ultimate in QUALITY. You are our RULER – help me to live your way.
Confident and demure, stepping into the elevator, Angie continued praying.
SAVIOUR, TRUSTWORTHY, UNWAVERING, VALIANT
Smiling at Jane’s worried face behind the reception desk, Angie knocked softly at the boss’ door.
The ogre swung the door open. “Report to HR for reassignment now. I need a reliable assistant.”
Angie restrained the urge to curtsey, and respond, “Yes, your majesty.” Instead she placed the envelope and bag on the reception desk, replying, “Your tickets and small gifts for the Japan trip, Ma’am.”
Angie sensed the dragon’s fire licking the back of her head as she walked to the elevator, discretely winking at Jane’s horrified face. The doors closed behind her. Angie whipped out her mobile, texting Jane. ‘Still have a job :)’
X-TRAORDINARY, YEARNING for us to trust you and ZEALOUS for your name.
Zealous? Headed towards the door of the HR department, Angie pulled out her phone once more. “Prayed! Coffee @ 5:15?”
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Great everything about this story. Scene, dialogue, voice, message - just everything. I loved and thoroughly enjoyed this one!
This is brilliant. I have to admit I'm with Amy- I was a bit confused about the job bit at the end, but only momentarily. I figured it out, and I think it has less to do with your writing and more to do with the fact that I need another coffee (or perhaps an alphabet prayer?!) anyway, absolutely wonderful story. I felt this nervous tension all the way through, like a suspensful part in a movie! You could easily expand this into a novel I reckon. In your "spare time"!! ha ha
love ya, and so does Zion,
Kaz
Great submission.
I got a little confused at the Angie-Jane exchanges since Angie was the one praying.
Lovely thought to how we should be spending each waking moment.