The Prayer Shawl

Are we more focused on the ritual of prayer than the relationship it builds?

The Prayer Shawl © is a fast-paced, humorous, and thought-provoking skit that shines a light on how easily we can fall into the trap of performance-based faith. With just two actors (plus the offstage voice of God), this 5-minute sketch delivers a timeless message straight from Matthew 6:10—calling us back to authentic connection with God, not just rehearsed words and polished props.

Cast:

Actor m or f
Offstage Voice of God (VOG)

Bible Reference: Matthew 6:10

Set: standard

Sound: wireless mics if available

Song: none

Lighting: standard

SFX: none

Props:

prayer shawl, just a piece of cloth is all that is required

Costumes: standard

Special Instructions: none

Time: 5

The Prayer Shawl ©

(Actor comes on stage, and with much ceremony puts on a prayer shawl. Kneels down to pray.)

ACTOR:
Dear heavenly Father, Lord of all the nations, defender of the faithful remnant, Ancient of Days, Yahweh, I Am, . . .

VOG (interrupts):
I am here.

(Actor, startled, looks around, frowns.)

ACTOR:
Who . . . what was that?
(Shakes head, closes eyes, adjusts prayer shawl.)
Where was I . . .
I might as well start at the beginning . . .
Dear heavenly Father, Lord of all the nations, defender of the faithful remnant, Ancient of Days, Yahweh . . .

VOG (interrupts again):
I got it, you want to talk with me. I want that too . .

(Actor stands, rushes from one side of stage to the other, angry.)

ACTOR:
That kid next door is driving me crazy!
(Speaks loudly to offstage location.)
“Johnny, now you cut that out! One more time and I shall call your mother!”
(Looks at watch.)
Look at the time, will ya? I have important stuff to do—but oh well . .
(Kneels again, throws prayer shawl over one shoulder.)
OK, here we go, this won’t take long . . .
(Speaks very fast.)
Dear heavenly Father, Lord of all the nations, defender of the faithful remnant, Ancient of Days, Yahweh . . .

VOG:
I think surely we are done with introductions. Can we just chat?

ACTOR (worried):
Who are you?

VOG:
God.
Or . . as you like to put it . . .
“Dear heavenly Father, Lord of all the nations, defender of the faithful remnant, Ancient of Days, Yahweh . . .”

ACTOR (tentative):
You mean like . . . (points upward) . . .

VOG:
Not up there. Right beside you, always . .

(Actor takes a few steps to the side, very nervous.)

ACTOR:
You mean like . . . the . . . God?

VOG:
You know another God?

ACTOR (flustered):
Yes, . . I mean . . . No . . I mean . .

VOG:
It’s good talking with you, child . . Seems I don’t hear from you hardly ever . .

ACTOR:
Well that’s all gonna change now that I got me a prayer shawl.

VOG:
A prayer shawl?

(Actor holds up prayer shawl.)

ACTOR:
A prayer shawl . . . Isn’t it a knockout?

VOG:
And the . . reason . . for . . this . . . ah . . prayer shawl would be . .?

ACTOR:
It is a . . prayer . . . shawl!

VOG:
I get it . . but why did you get it . . . and why are you wearing it?

ACTOR:
To talk to God . . that is . . to talk to . . er . . . you . . God . . . I mean, that’s how prayer is done.

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