The Healing Power of Forgiveness

Good afternoon readers!! What I'm doing now is I'm reposting an article that I figure would be useful for us Christians and even for unbelievers...

Studies shows that people who forgive are happier and healthier than those who hold resentments. One study has shown that the positive benefit of forgiveness is similar whether it was based upon religious or secular counseling as opposed to a control group that received no forgiveness counseling.

This is in 2 parts. The prayer (in black type) and GOD (in red types) in response.

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Our Father in Heaven. Yes?

Don't interrupt me. I'm praying. But you called ME!

Called you? No. I didn't called you. I'm praying. Our Father in Heaven.

There- you did it again!

Did what? Called ME.

You said, "Our Father in Heaven". Well, here I am. What's on your mind?

But I didn't mean anything by it. I was. you know, just saying my prayers for the day.

I always say the Lord's Prayer. I makes me feel good, kind of like fulfilling a duty.

Well, alright, go on.

Okay, hallowed be thy name.

Hold it right there. What do you mean by that?

By what? By "Hallowed be thy name"?

It means, it means.....Good grief, I don't know what it means.

How in the world should I know? It's just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it means?

It means honored, holy, wonderful.

Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before. Thanks.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in Heaven.

Do you really mean that? Sure, why not?

What are you doing about it?

Doing? Why, nothing I guess.

I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control, of everything down here like you have up there.

We're kinda in a mess down here you know.

Yes, I know, but I have control of you?

Well, I go to church.

That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend you money - all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read?

Now hold on just a minute! Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at church!

Excuse ME. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that's is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you- for example.

Oh, alright. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mentioned it, I could probably name some others.

So could I.

I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free.

Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together- you and ME. I'm proud of you.

Look, Lord, if you don't mind, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it is usually does.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

You need to cut out the bread. You're overweight as it is.

Hey! Wait a minute! What is this?Here I was doing my religious duty and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups!

Praying is a dangerous thing. You might just get what you asked for. Remember, you called ME- and here I am. It's too late to stop now, keep praying....(..pause)

Well, go on.

I'm scared to. Scared? Of what?

I know what you'll say. Try ME.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. What about Ann?

See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why, Lord, she's told lies of me, spread stories. She never paid back the money she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her!

But-your prayer - What about your prayer?

I didn't - mean it.

Well, at least you're honest. But it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentments isn't it?

Yes, But I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her. Boy, have I got some plans for her. She'll wish she had never been born.

No, you won't feel any better. You'll fell worse. Revenge isn't sweet. You know how unhappy you are - well, I can change that.

You can? How?

Forgive Ann. Then, I'll forgive you. And the hates and the sin, will be Ann's problem - not yours. You will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned.

Oh, you know, you're right. You always are. And more than I want revenge, I want to be right with You...(sigh). All right, all right....

I forgive her.

There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?

Hmmm.......Well, not bad. Not bad at all! In fact, I feel pretty great! You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight. I haven't been getting much rest, you know.

Yeah, I know. But, you're not through with your prayer are you? Go on.

Oh, all right. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put ourself in a place where you can be tempted.

What do you mean by that?

You know what I mean. Yeah, I know.

Okay, go ahead. Finish your prayer.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Do you know what would bring ME glory - What would really make me happy?

No, but I'd like to know. I want to please you now. I've really made a mess of things. I want to truly follow you. I can see now how great that would be. So, tell me....How do I make you happy?

YOU just did.

:)